That damned afib!

Hi,
Got my PM 3 & a half weeks ago and it works like gang busters!I had episodes of afib beginning in Feb ,and the only hang -on is a considerable number of ectopic beats which I try not to worry about. My question:Would I be a candidate for ablation procedure, or just put up with the estrasystole? If I get going, with my day, they seem to disappear. If I think about them, there they are!
I'm 75.--Island Boy

3 Comments

I'd Wait

by Many Blessings - 2013-07-21 01:07:41

Just my opinion, but unless it's really bothering you, or your cardio/EP doc feels it's absolutely necessary, I'd pass on the ablation(s).

If it were me (I'm AV Node ablated and chronic/permanent A-fib), I'd not mess with things until you absolutely have to. Even if it's another kind of ablation, I'd hold off as long as you safely can.

Maybe others will give you a different opinion, so like I always say, listen and read everyone's suggestions, and go with what works best for you.

Good luck!

Ablation for PVCs?

by golden_snitch - 2013-07-21 04:07:02

Hi!

Not sure, if I understood you correctly, but you want the ablation for the extrasystoles, right?

Ablations for extrasystoles (PVCs) are no standard procedure, and are only performed when you suffer from a high number of PVCs every day. The numbers I know are something around 15.000-20.000 PVCs/day plus they have to be monomorph, so all caused by the same focus. If there are several foci in your ventricles that cause the PVCs, the ablation will most likely not be successful. And even with just one focus causing them, the ablation might only reduce the number, you'll not end up with zero PVCs afterwards. But again, ablation only when you've got tons of PVCs per day. Do you have several thousand per day? What does the holter monitor show?

Everyone has PVCs - some feel them, some don't. They are not even considered to be "real" arrhythmias. So, the best strategy usually is to learn to live with them. Make sure your potassium and magnesium levels are good, because PVCs can be caused by a lack of these minerals. But don't just go ahead and throw in some supplements! Have the levels checked, and if you do indeed lack potassium, then you can get a supplement. Too much potassium can cause serious arrhythmias, too.

PVC or ectopic beats

by cans624 - 2013-07-21 10:07:20

I get those damn things to but the doctor changed my dose of beta blocker which does seem to help some if you can tolerate beta blocker I would not consider ablation I had one 10 years ago to elimate SVT but now I need the pacemaker because of that so I try the best I can to ignore the PVC even though sometimes they drive me crazy trust me I know easier said than done!!

You know you're wired when...

Microwave ovens make you spark.

Member Quotes

So, my advice is to go about your daily routine and forget that you have a pacemaker implanted in your body.