Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Support Group

Atrial fibrillation (AF or afib) is an abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) which involves the two small, upper heart chambers (the atria). Heart beats in a normal heart begin after electricity generated in the atria by the sinoatrial node spread through the heart and cause contraction of the heart muscle and pumping of blood.

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janni1234 09/05/2012

Last week my DH wore a Holter Monitor for 24 hours. The cardio's office finally called today and said his heartbeat was down to 33 at points during the test. They made an appointment to discuss a pacemaker. Am looking for info on what is involved in this. Any info will be appreciated.
Thanx,
Jan

pacyetep 09/05/2012

janni: It depends on what kind of pacemaker. My mother in law has a dual chamber opacemaker that only paces when the heart rate is low. Check out the pacemaker club: http://www.pacemakerclub.com/public/jpage/1/p/Home/content.do

BTW, I had to look up DH. I thought it was designated hitter. What the heck? She has a baseball team? :-)

petey

pacyetep 09/05/2012

What is causing the slow heart rate? Rate medicine? An ablation that destroyed the AV node? Age? It goes from fast to slow? Slow in NSR, fast in AFIB?

petey

janni1234 09/06/2012

I'll try to fill you in, but it may take a while. Gordon (my DH) is 80 years old. Of his multiple maladies the ones most likely to have affected his heart could be the Meylodysplasia or the stage four kidney failure. He's had A-fib for a year or so. He also suffers from Myasthenia Gravis, has been though two bouts of cancer (lost a kidney to kidney cancer and later had bladder cancer) and had two severe spinal injuries.He has HBP and is type 2 insulin dependent diabetic. Most of his doctors feel it is amazing that he is still walking around. He did give up driving last years and now uses a scooter when he needs to walk a bit. I apologize if I have missed any of his ailments. I keep a notebook, but didn't pull it out for this message. The Myelodysplasia (and Coumadin) cause bleeding, so that is one thing I'm concerned about in regards to getting the pacemaker. Pretty much wondering how invasive it will be.
Thanx, Jan

pacyetep 09/06/2012

Read this site:

http://www.hearthealthywomen.org/treatment-and-recovery/pacemaker-a-icd/pacemaker-a-icd/page-2.html

How do I prepare to have a pacemaker implanted?

Tell your healthcare provider all the medications you are currently taking. If you take a blood thinner, such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix) you may be asked to stop taking it or to reduce your dosage before the procedure. You are not allowed to eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.

petey

janni1234 09/06/2012

Forgot to reply about the rate. Erratic, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. BP also up and down.

janni1234 09/06/2012

Petey, Thank you for both links. They are very helpful. Just what we were looking for!
Jan & Gordon

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