Pacing out of an Arrythmia

Had a tough time with arrhythmias lately. Cardioverted April 8, again May 10. Ablation July 25 that didn’t hold. Then cardioverted again August 14, also didn’t hold.

Went to the doctor yesterday and they tried something different in the PM lab. They paced me out of the arrhythmia. My atrium was going at about 180 bpm’s. They sped up the atrium and then would shut it down to try and beak the circuit. They tried it several times moving the speed up each time. Finally at about 270 bpm’s it worked. Within a few minutes, I was back in my normal sinus rhythm of 50-60. My PM is set at 50-150.  It’s set at 50 because I exercise a lot. My heart is in good shape, it just doesn't work right.

The doc said it could last a day or forever. However, he also said if it goes back in to an arrhythmia, we would do another ablation. When he did the one in July, I was not in an arrhythmia and they had to put me in it. He found two spots to ablate, but another must have been hiding. If I’m in the arrhythmia, it will be easier to find.

I’ll have to say that pacing out of an arrhythmia is sure better than a cardioversion. The doc even said I could play tennis last night. The technician also said that pacing only works about 25-30% of the time. My lucky day. Think I’ll buy a lottery ticket.

Jerry

4 Comments

Wow !

by IAN MC - 2016-09-29 12:02:42

Hi Jerry   They are certainly trying everything to sort out your arrythmia , hope your tennis went well !

I am curious , how did you feel when they were pacing your top chamber at 270 bpm ?? 

Incidentally, I have similar settings as you ,I am  50 - 165  for the same reasons as yourself. I had to really use my skills of persuasion to get my max increased from 150 to 165.

Cheers

Ian

 

 

Over-drive

by Cabg Patch - 2016-09-29 17:08:06

What you are talking about is called ATP, Anti-Tachycardia Pacing. Defibrillators and CRT-D are set up this way so that they minimize full Jesus Jolts, defibrillation therapy, and reduce the stress a lot of people experience when they get jolted. I can't remember a cardiologist visit where they didn't tell me I had ATP therapy for V-Tach.

It works just as you described it. When the device detects a fast heart rate at a set point, the device begins overdriving or pacing faster than the heart and then stops, in theory allowing the heart to go back into sinus mode. Most often I don't even realize it's happening. Just depends on the rate

Pacing

by gleesue - 2016-09-30 12:22:21

Ian,

My Atrium was already going at 180 and the bottom chamber was going at about 80, a little over 2 to 1. Taking the rate up to 270 put the bottom at about 130-135. Just like having a good work out. I really didn’t feel much except when they stopped it to break the circuit. In addition, my wife was praying and was doing meditation so I was very relaxed and in a quiet state.

Capg Patch,

I have only a PM and no V-tach. My PM will not do what you are talking about. They were breaking the circuit for A-fid. A technician can only do this. As I said, it only works in the upper chamber about 25-30% of the time.

Jerry

I agree

by admin - 2016-10-05 21:34:24

I've had  a few ablations and cardioversions in the best due to atrial flutter.  Once, my cardiologist was able to pace me out of atrial flutter.  Amazing how that worked!  Best of health!

Blake

You know you're wired when...

You have a high-tech ticker.

Member Quotes

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.