Pacemakers and AF and AT

Today the new EP I went to for a second opinion told me that AF and AT weren't such a problem for me with a pacemaker fitted as it controlled the pumping of my ventricles and as such the blood was still flowing through my heart efficiently even though I would still be feeling unpleasant sensations in my chest.

Is this true?

I've had AF and AT in the past and they both frighten me.

Regards Daryl

2 Comments

Not exactly

by BillH - 2016-03-02 07:03:42

While you will still get a reasonable amount of blood flow with just pacing the ventricles, it is not near as efficient as when the atria is beating sync with the ventricles.

Also with the AFIB blood can stagnate and lead to a stroke unless you also take blood thinners.

AT/AF

by golden_snitch - 2016-03-03 06:03:48

As long as your AV-node is functioning well, the pacemaker cannot do a thing about AT and AF. Only in case your AF causes a slow ventricular rate, the pacemaker can make sure that it does not, for instance, drop below 60.

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

Member Quotes

I am just thankful that I am alive and that even though I have this pacemaker it is not the end of the world.