Setting and AFib

Hi everyone,
6 months ago I was reading the print out from my last PM check and noticed that the AFib suppression algorithm was switched off. As I had had a lot of AFib episodes I asked why. Was told that they thought it probably didn't work. I then asked would it do me any harm if it was turned on. Answer...no. So requested it be turned on. I don't know whether it was that or the double dose of Magnesium that I started taking, but at the next check...no AFib. at all. I am wrapped!
Just thought it worth passing on. I have a St. Jude Zephyr put in for sick sinus syndrome in 2009.

2 Comments

Good to know

by Theknotguy - 2015-06-18 01:06:48

I have the Medtronics with APP (Atrial Preference Pacing). I had APP turned on at five months post PM insertion. Discussion with the EP was similar to yours. They didn't know if it would work but it wouldn't hurt to turn it on anyway.

Over the course of a year my afib sessions decreased. You could see a difference on the graphical printouts and the numerical report was a decrease of 7%. Doesn't sound like much but when you're getting the heart flip which signifies atrial flutter, it's really nice not to feel it all the time. (I'm one of those rare people who can feel when I'm in afib or a flutter.)

Like you, I'm not sure if the APP helped decrease my afib sessions, or if the change in medication did it, or the magnesium supplement helped, but, I am grateful for the decrease in afib sessions. My only caveat is to make sure you don't take too much magnesium supplement. It's one of the more dangerous ones.

I do know when I go into afib, I can feel the APP interacting. Based upon research I've done, supposedly the APP bumps the heart up to a faster speed. At the faster speed the heart can't stay in afib and keep up at the faster rate. (Could be wrong in my research.) Sometimes it feels like I have three heartbeats going on at the same time. Anyway, with APP my afib sessions aren't as intense and don't seem to last as long. Needless to say, I'm ecstatic about the results.

It's good to know the St.Jude PM has an afib setting. I was feeling guilty because I thought only Medtronics had the software program.

Isn't it great to go day to day without the afib!

Glad everything is working well for you.

AFib & Magnesium

by Lizzie - 2015-06-18 07:06:02

Hi, thanks for the reply. Good to know that these thing may work for some. I can feel when it kicks in speeding my rate up and I haven't gone into Afib as usual. I think because I had SSS & extremely slow heart rate. that maybe why it is working for me.
I am taking Blackmore Magnesium twice a day and having no problems. My GP tells me that any excess will be excreted in my urine anyway. Blood tests although not very accurate for Magnesium have all been in normal limits. (you need a tissue sample for very accurate Magnesium level test). Now been 8 months AFib free. I have had Paroxysmal Afib since i was 23, now 69 and pretty fit. It is wonderful for me after having 13 bad episodes in the previous printout. I always know instantly when I go into Afib. Use the PIP approach with Flecanaide when or if it happens.
Good luck with your journey.
cheers,
Lizzie

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