partial blackout

I am implanted with dual chamber PM for the past 7 years and prior to that single chamber for 10 years. On recent checking I was found to have had 37 episodes of fibrillation with ranging from 160 to 180. My setting is 60-120 Beats per min. Except on one ocassion I did'nt feel any discomfort. During that one episode I had blurring of vision for 4 full minutes, while I was returning after my usual evening walks. needless to say I was scared. My cardiologist prescribed ecosprin for a month. I stopped it now. Has anyone can experienced this kind, and explain what to do to prevent next occurance. Why this fibrillation takes place any remedy?

3 Comments

ecosprin

by BillH - 2016-04-07 09:04:25

Ecosprin is just low dosage aspirin. It is not a treatment for AFIB.

It has been found to not be effective in preventing type of blood clots that can be formed during "long" term AFIB.

There are different meds that can help limit AFIB, but they all have their problems.

And there is ablation, but again not used for periods of brief AFIB.

Some PM have options in them that detect patterns that might develop into AFIB and try to pace out of them. They can help in some cases, but it does not "prevent" them.

afib

by Tracey_E - 2016-04-07 12:04:57

Afib is when the atria quivers instead of contracting, the ventricles get confused and the heart rate shoots up. It has nothing to do with your pacer, at that point it's just watching and taking notes. Mostly, it just happens and we don't know what causes it. Some people can figure out their triggers. For my mom, it's caffeine and alcohol. If she avoids those it's better but she still has episodes. I'm wondering why if you had so many episodes they'd only put you on meds for a month. Normally they'd reassess and adjust the dosage at that point, not stop it. When you fibrillate, you are at risk of stroke, so normally treatment is long term to prevent strokes. I would follow up with your doctor, esp if you are still having symptoms.

Thank you

by natarajan - 2016-04-08 05:04:41

Thank you TraceyE and BillH for a quick response, and needless to say the information provided are useful and reassuring. I am in contact with my Cardiologist for further investigation.
I am also taking another anti coagulant "warfarin " ,as I am having a prosthetic aortic valve to prevent any clotting.
I trust in God,and pray the problems get sort out by itself.
Any other tip is welcome.

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I am just now 40 but have had these blackouts all my life. I am thrilled with the pacer and would do it all over again.