Pace maker effect on afib/flutter

Pacemaker + Afib

by AgentX86 - 2023-02-03 00:56:39

Highly unlikey.  A pacemaker can only make the heart go faster.  It can't regulate it in any other way.  Now, some have algorithms that will try to stay out in front of AF to try to nip it before it develops into AF.  This works for some but not everyone.

One thing a pacemaker can do is raise the heart rate so higher doses of some drugs can be used. Many of these drugs will supress heart rate so a pacemaker putting a floor on the rate doesn't allow the meds from dropping the heart rate to dangerous levels.

I have had tremendous success controlling my arrhythmias with pacing but this is relatively unusual

by Gemita - 2023-02-03 04:13:57

Poppa, I will respond later when I have more time.  I had bradycardia induced arrhythmia, including AF.  I am currently working with my team to see what more I can do with my settings to help with my symptoms. 

Although I get flare ups from time to time, since my pacemaker I have really noticed improvements in both duration and frequency of AF.   As a result my symptoms and "duration" of my arrhythmias are well controlled now.  Frequency of events can still be a problem at times which is what we are working on.

Of course we are not comparing like with like.  I chose not to have an ablation but have tried other treatments, including cardioversion and anti arrhythmic/rate control meds.  Sometimes the more we throw at AF, the more it attacks.  Fewer treatments and a raised heart rate of 70 bpm seems to be all I need with my paroxysmal AF.  Perhaps you need fewer treatments rather than more also and the pacemaker is a very good start to achieving this (in my opinion).

afib

by new to pace.... - 2023-02-03 06:07:46

i agree with what both AgentX86 and Gemita said above.  I try to control my Afib episodes with not eating the foods that trigger the Afib .  Will know at my next remote transmission  in March ,how i have done.

new to pace

What can a pacemaker do for an arrhythmia like Atrial Fibrillation ?

by Gemita - 2023-02-03 15:45:35

Poppa, you say you have recently been advised that you should have a pacemaker implanted.  Did they specifically tell you the reason why? 

As AgentX86 says, our doctors often use a pacemaker to prevent our heart rate from falling too low when we need to take medication to control a tachy arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation.  They feel safer giving us a higher dose of any medication, knowing that we will have the pacemaker as a back up.  However, while a pacemaker can be used to prevent a heart rate fall, it cannot prevent a fall in our blood pressure that any medication might cause, so this is something that you need to remember.

Atrial Fibrillation on its own may not be a reason for a pacemaker.   Do you for example have a very slow heart rate because you are taking medication to slow it down or because you have bradycardia or heart block?

On your question of whether AF will be eliminated by a pacemaker, the answer is sadly no for those with persistent AF, but for me personally my pacemaker has had a very positive effect in many respects.  My heart rate was too low and pausing before my pacemaker, now it is higher and steadier and this alone is helping to reduce and control all my arrhythmia episodes, including AF.  I have fewer symptoms, since I am getting fewer episodes, of shorter duration which always self convert to normal sinus rhythm without medical intervention.  For me the pacemaker has made such a difference to my quality of life.  

Without a doubt, you would not be offered a pacemaker if they felt it would serve no purpose.  It will have a purpose and help them to treat your AF, help them to control any high heart rates more effectively while keeping your heart rates from falling too low.  You need to ask your doctors what the purpose of the pacemaker would be for you, whether they intend treating your AF with stronger medication, another ablation or perhaps even an AV Node ablation?  You need to know what they intend to do next, rather than just accepting that you may need a pacemaker.

Why a pm has been prescribed for me

by Poppa1313 - 2023-02-04 14:49:41

First, many thanks to all for the helpful comments. Really appreciated. 
 

Because other forms of treatment have not been successful, and with the increase in severity of my symptoms in the last 6 months, including an increase in PVC's, the decision has been made to perform a AV node ablation which necessitates a pm implant. 
 

I should also mention that I have a slow hr; low '50's during the day, but mid to high '40's during the night. A perfect environment for afib to propagate! None of this is the result of health issues....I am in very good condition averaging just 100,000 steps a week/ 75km walked/ and have nor missed doing a 6km uphill power walk every day for the last 1000+ days. 

From your comments, I conclude that being able to keep my resting hr at a higher rate may make a big difference in the frequency of afib: at least that's the hope!

I'm still researching and gathering info on what's been proposed. I'll make a decision and inform my doctor next week. 
 

Again, thanks to you all for your input.