Pace Maker

We need more information. Why a pacemaker already...if you haven't had an ablation? Cardioversions are quick 'n dirty, and work best for people without other complications. Sometimes they need to be repeated, even once a year or six months if the arrhythmia returns. But what IS your arrhythmia, and why has the authority you have consulted decided that only a pacemaker will suffice....for you?

Why have YOU concluded that an ablation won't work? Based on what facts that we haven't learned yet?

For how long have you had heart problems or irregularity??

I have a pacemaker and have had it for 3 years. I was in AFIB, and I was on Amiodarone. The Amiodarone did put me back in rhythm; however, it also brought my heart rate down into the 30's. After passing out (the electrophysicist said that my heart stopped), I received a pacemaker. After several weeks I recovered from the surgery, and I have been doing well ever since. The pacemaker set my lower limit of my heart rate to 60. I am very happy I have the pacemaker. One common misconception is that a pacemaker prevents additional episodes of arrhythmia. That is incorrect. I have had two episodes of AFIB since I have had the pacemaker. With one episode I spontaneously converted. With the other, I did have a cardioversion. That has been a month ago, and I am grateful to still be in sinus rhythm. However, I recognize that I may go back into AFIB, even with a pacemaker. Many people I know have had ablations. It is possible that one day I may also have to have one, but for now, I am okay. My pacemaker has been a good thing, and I would encourage you to consider it if your doctors recommend it.

@stan0542
I like others could be more helpful if had more information. I wonder why you are so opposed to a pacemaker when they have been shown to by great changes to quality of life.

When my ejection fraction reached 30 in 2006 the cardiologist I was seeing me referred me to a Electrophysiologist for a ICD. I wanted a second opinion and when to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville.

I met with the most outstanding doctors I had ever experience who was a world reknown Electrophysiologist. I immmediately knew this was (Mayo) the place for me. My EP rcommened not only an ICD but a pacemaker to help the electrical signals to me heart. He also referred me to a Mayo Heart Failure specialist and my HF and EP increased and changed my medications.

My EF did go down some more but stabilized and has been around the same for almost decades. How well am I doing? I do Sprint Triathlons and have completed about 50 of them since 2017.

Everyone had anxiety over a foreign object being put into your body. My HF told me it was like having my own EMS there to give me a charge if neeed. My pacemaker also will increase my pusle to bring back normal rympthm and is also there to keep it aournd 70 bpm.

I have had one since 2006 and on my 3rd one. The benefits of having a ICD/Pacemaker or one or other far outweigh the anxiety over them as a benefit to your life and quality of life.
Good Luck!!!

I am almost 76, and I do understand you not wanting a pace maker.
Do you consume coffee or caffeine from chocolate? If you do, eliminate totally and see if it takes care of your issue.

I can attest that I have no heart beat irregularities since eliminating. One person posting said that his cardiologist recommended the same.

Blessings to you.

Agree with @lindy9
Was told to avoid caffine. It will speed up your heart rate and body. You want your pulse to remain steady as much as possible and not be affected by other stimuli.

There are a lot of foods and drinks with high levels of caffine. Many of these energy drinks and electrolyte drinks are full of it.

I and many other also found that doing a hobby or exercise that you like doing will help reduce your stress and anxiety. When you reduce those it has a calming affect on your heart and body. It can really helped. Just find something you like to do and do it.

The good doctors don't always keep up with the latest studies. They are busy people with many desperate and unhappy patients who provide a steady stream into and out of their crowded offices, especially after COVID and with RSV now coming more to the fore.

Caffeine, like alcohol (but not really, since alcohol is ALWAYS a toxin) can actually be helpful to a stressed heart. The following study is brand new and does a good job explaining that caffeine is unlikely to be your culprit. It still might be better for some to refrain from caffeine, but most of us can still use moderate amounts with impunity:
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/coffee-atrial-fibrillation-link

The good doctors don't always keep up with the latest studies. They are busy people with many desperate and unhappy patients who provide a steady stream into and out of their crowded offices, especially after COVID and with RSV now coming more to the fore.

Caffeine, like alcohol (but not really, since alcohol is ALWAYS a toxin) can actually be helpful to a stressed heart. The following study is brand new and does a good job explaining that caffeine is unlikely to be your culprit. It still might be better for some to refrain from caffeine, but most of us can still use moderate amounts with impunity:
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/coffee-atrial-fibrillation-link
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/03/01/can-people-with-an-irregular-heartbeat-drink-coffee

I did not even think about the energy drinks or electrolyte drinks. I have never had one. They are dangerous. I have a nephew that was drinking energy drinks and always hyped up and began doing crazy things and changed his personality and almost broke up his marriage. Mountain Dew has more caffeine than colas. I mention the caffeine because some people are not aware that is causing them problems.

Caffeine may be okay for most people, but not to those with afib etc. Their study saying it is unlikely to be the culprit may be funded by the coffee sellers or drug peddlers. I know for a fact it can cause heart arrythmia even when young.