Can one develop a second rhythm issue with a PM?

Adding on

by Gotrhythm - 2019-05-07 20:42:07

Unfortunately, having one rhythm issue doesn't vaccinate you against developing a new or different one.

In fact, it's pretty common for rhythm problems to change over time--but rarely for the better.

My St Jude pacemaker is programmed to record any a-fib episodes. You might want to see if any showed up on your download.

rhythm issue

by cb - 2019-05-07 20:49:59

thanks....the bummer is I was just there on Friday!

i appreciate your response! I really value this site!

Absolutely

by AgentX86 - 2019-05-07 22:01:14

As GotR said, one electrical problem doesn't mean you can't have another.  In fact, your chances of having more issues are increased after the first. Afib is more of a symptom than a disease.  The underlying problem can cause other issues, as well.

Also note that a pacemaker does nothing for Afib.  It can't block it and in fact may help transmit the arrhythmia to the ventricles (where you feel it). That's the reason that some (me) have an AV ablation, to intentionally cause a heart block so that the Afib does't get transmitted to the ventricles.

question!

by cb - 2019-05-07 22:04:52

Does anyone have experience with "Premature Atrial Contraction"? My Dr says that is what is "sounds like"

thanks!

PACs

by AgentX86 - 2019-05-08 08:12:22

PACs are very common. As I understand it, almost everyone has them occasionally but they're not frequent so ignored. You my feel that your heart "skips a beat". What actually happens is that there is an added beat, the PAC, so the next beat doesn't fall where expected, so your brain is tricked into thinking that one was skipped. It quite common.

It sounded to me like a PVC (premature ventricle contraction), which is similar but starts in the ventricles rather than the atrium. Both are very common and almost always benign, unless they are significant percentage of the heartbeats (like 20%).

PAC and PVC

by Tracey_E - 2019-05-08 09:28:43

Both feel yucky but are common and harmless. Do you have a home monitor you could send a report? If you are having afib it'll likely show up in an interrogation. 

How much caffeine did you have? I'm super sensitive and sometimes will have an elevated rate at night if overdo it or have it too late in the day. 

additional rhythms

by ROBO Pop - 2019-05-08 12:44:17

Yep most assuredly can develop additional rhythms, in fact as many as you want, but remember some are deadly ... Don't get carried away