ATR Episodes w/ Pacemaker for Heartblock

So I received a pacemake a little over 2 years ago for unexplained complete Heartblock. I am 46. I use my PM 100% of the time pacing only the bottom 1/2 of my heart due to the complete Heartblock. Everything was going along fine, I was feeling good, and even ran a half marathon in October of 2015. That is, until May of this year. I started have ATR episodes. They happen almost exclusively while I am sleeping. My doctor said I should cut back on my coffee intake, which I did (cut back from 3 cups to one), and my alcohal intake, which I also did (cut back from a glass or two with dinner to an occasional glass.) My epidsodes are getting worse, not better, more frequent and longer duration. My doctor wants to put me on meds, which I am less than thrilled about. Anyone have success in controlling ATR episodes w/o meds, or can tell me about their actual experience on the meds? I am thinking about getting a second opinion. If anyone has an electrocardiologist in NYC that they love, I would be happy to have a recommendation. 

4 Comments

Do you mean AF Episodes?

by Good Dog - 2016-12-08 13:13:13

Did you mean atrial fibrillation?

ATR Episodes w/ Pacemaker for Heartblock

by MonicaNYC - 2016-12-08 13:55:22

Unsure. I have a print out that reads Event Type: Atrial Tachy, listing each ATR episode. My Dr was calling it "Holiday Heart." Which I he was also refering to as Atrial Fibrilation, so that would make sense.

 

atach vs afib

by Tracey_E - 2016-12-08 15:29:51

Atrial tachycardia is just going fast. Afib is the heart quivering rather than beating.

If it's atach and you are not symptomatic, as long as it's not dangerously fast or sustained, you can probably just watch it. If it's causing symptoms, meds can slow it down.

If it's afib, you may or may not be able to reduce it with diet. That's worth a try, but if you are still having episodes, you'll want to treat it. Afib puts us at risk of stroke. No one wants to go on meds, but you really really don't want to risk a stroke. 

It's not uncommon to develop additional electrical issues. We have faulty wiring ;) 

ATR

by Grateful Heart - 2016-12-08 20:45:52

Atrial Tachy Response is an automatic mode switching feature within the pacemaker.  The mode switch will occur when the fast rate is sustained for usually 5 minutes or greater and once the rate decreases, the mode will revert back.  There are so many settings and parameters within our devices and this is one of them.....it's a safety mechanism.

So it sounds like your device is doing exactly what it should.

Many of us would rather not be on meds but we take them when needed.  The meds your doctor will give you will control your fast rate and the pacemaker will keep your HR from going too low.....so it's a balance.

If you really want a 2nd opinion in NYC, I can give you one....let me know and I will private message you with my EP's info. but it sounds like your doctor has it covered.  :)

 Grateful Heart        

You know you're wired when...

You run like the bionic man.

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