1. < Heart Rhythm Conditions

Heart Rhythm Conditions – Welcome to the group

Posted by Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator @kanaazpereira, Feb 14, 2018

Welcome to the Heart Rhythm Conditions group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
Did you know that the average heart beats 100,000 times a day? Millions of people live with heart rhythm problems (heart arrhythmias) which occur when the electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats don't work properly. Let's connect with each other; we can share stories and learn about coping with the challenges, and living well with abnormal heart rhythms. I invite you to follow the group. Simply click the +FOLLOW icon on the group landing page.

I'm Kanaaz (@kanaazpereira), and I'm the moderator of this group. When you post to this group, chances are you'll also be greeted by volunteer patient Mentors and fellow members. Learn more about Moderators and Mentors on Connect.

Let's chat. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Heart Rhythm Conditions Support Group.

gloaming | @gloaming | Feb 22 3:05pm
In reply to @phil75 "It’s funny that you ask. I typically don’t sleep very well no matter what. If I..." + (show)
@phil75

It’s funny that you ask. I typically don’t sleep very well no matter what. If I sleep on my back, I don’t snore much, but my wife tells me that I do have apnea every now and then. I generally sleep on my side. A couple of different Doctors have suggested a sleep study. I’m pretty sure that they would suggest a CPAP machine but, because I get up two to three times during the night, I’m a bit reluctant to go that route. Thanks for your reply.

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There should be no problem with rising to void at night with a CPAP. My 94 year old dad has done it for 6 years now. I don't rise...at all (at 72)...I know, lucky me...but he has had to rise two or three times since he was in his early 60's. If uncoupling the hose bothers you, sit at your beside and empty your bladder into a suitable cistern. If you fall asleep again fairly quickly typically, I don't see that a CPAP machine should hinder that process. Not once you get used to the appliance.

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phil75 | @phil75 | Feb 22 4:05pm

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.

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teacher2001 | @teacher2001 | Feb 23 10:13am

I am 78 years old and have had AFib since 2016. I am booked for a catheter ablation March 4 th - this is my first. Is there a chance my heart will stop and I might die?

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1 reply
gloaming | @gloaming | Feb 23 11:17am
In reply to @teacher2001 "I am 78 years old and have had AFib since 2016. I am booked for a..." + (show)
@teacher2001

I am 78 years old and have had AFib since 2016. I am booked for a catheter ablation March 4 th - this is my first. Is there a chance my heart will stop and I might die?

Jump to this post

Well...yes.....for every one of us....even if we DON'T have AF. Seriously, and I'm not being cute here, every single living soul could die on the operating table. That's why we don't operate unless the cost-benefit says do it. For AF sufferers, especially those of us who'd like to keep our myocardium healthy and to avoid those nasty symptoms, yes, pleeeeze!!
On a more philosophical bent, you won't know if it happens....will ya. And those left behind, while disappointed and left to grieve, they will understand, especially if they also understand the risks involved....which are exceedingly few.
I have had three operations where a catheter was inserted....an angiogram (into the wrist and on up to the heart), and two ablations because the first failed. Ablations have a 25% failure rate for first, or 'index', ablations. Happened to me. The second has me in NSR (normal sinus rhythm) for just over 2 years now. Bliss!
The very worst part about an ablation? Having to lie still for three hours with a compression weight on the incision at your groin. It might seem interminable unless you're happy in your own head or manage to nod off....again! At least, that was what I found...the wait before I could go home seemed long.

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1 reply
lindy9 | @lindy9 | Feb 23 11:44am
In reply to @dalebout123 "I can just give you an "I understand" your frustration. I am mid-process to addressing my..." + (show)
@dalebout123

I can just give you an "I understand" your frustration. I am mid-process to addressing my symptoms -- similar to your own. I am now trying to adjust to CPAP machine since I have mild sleep apnea. I go in for a breathing test next week. I do not have an afib diagnosis...just heart palpitations, but have the same symptoms as you. Just wondering if you or your doctor have explored looking at apnea and breathing solutions before the more intrusive rememdies.

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My sister has sleep apnea and I also. She discovered if she slept in a recliner, she had no problem. She used the snorkel machine for years and hated it. I use 2 pillows to prop me up when sleeping and since then have no problem. Might look silly, but no sillier than the snorkel.

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jimadman55 | @jimadman55 | Feb 23 11:51am
In reply to @phil75 "It’s funny that you ask. I typically don’t sleep very well no matter what. If I..." + (show)
@phil75

It’s funny that you ask. I typically don’t sleep very well no matter what. If I sleep on my back, I don’t snore much, but my wife tells me that I do have apnea every now and then. I generally sleep on my side. A couple of different Doctors have suggested a sleep study. I’m pretty sure that they would suggest a CPAP machine but, because I get up two to three times during the night, I’m a bit reluctant to go that route. Thanks for your reply.

Jump to this post

So you get up 2-3 times a night to use restroom. That’s no reason to not treat Sleep apnea. I denied having sleep apnea because i dod not snore but in the first sleep test I had 63 apneas per minute. Because I denied it for 10 years, I have CHF. Diagnosed in 2018. I faithfully use a CPAP and that allows my heart to rest when sleeping. I stay active and have managed the CHF with 2 ablations and meds. I also get up 2-4 times a night to use restroom because I take diuretics. Be a little open minded and if you don’t get 8 perfect hours of sleep a night without getting up, di what can extend your life by using a CPAP.

REPLY
1 reply
teacher2001 | @teacher2001 | Feb 23 12:57pm
In reply to @gloaming "Well...yes.....for every one of us....even if we DON'T have AF. Seriously, and I'm not being cute..." + (show)
@gloaming

Well...yes.....for every one of us....even if we DON'T have AF. Seriously, and I'm not being cute here, every single living soul could die on the operating table. That's why we don't operate unless the cost-benefit says do it. For AF sufferers, especially those of us who'd like to keep our myocardium healthy and to avoid those nasty symptoms, yes, pleeeeze!!
On a more philosophical bent, you won't know if it happens....will ya. And those left behind, while disappointed and left to grieve, they will understand, especially if they also understand the risks involved....which are exceedingly few.
I have had three operations where a catheter was inserted....an angiogram (into the wrist and on up to the heart), and two ablations because the first failed. Ablations have a 25% failure rate for first, or 'index', ablations. Happened to me. The second has me in NSR (normal sinus rhythm) for just over 2 years now. Bliss!
The very worst part about an ablation? Having to lie still for three hours with a compression weight on the incision at your groin. It might seem interminable unless you're happy in your own head or manage to nod off....again! At least, that was what I found...the wait before I could go home seemed long.

Jump to this post

Thank you gloaming xo

REPLY
phil75 | @phil75 | Feb 23 1:25pm
In reply to @jimadman55 "So you get up 2-3 times a night to use restroom. That’s no reason to not..." + (show)
@jimadman55

So you get up 2-3 times a night to use restroom. That’s no reason to not treat Sleep apnea. I denied having sleep apnea because i dod not snore but in the first sleep test I had 63 apneas per minute. Because I denied it for 10 years, I have CHF. Diagnosed in 2018. I faithfully use a CPAP and that allows my heart to rest when sleeping. I stay active and have managed the CHF with 2 ablations and meds. I also get up 2-4 times a night to use restroom because I take diuretics. Be a little open minded and if you don’t get 8 perfect hours of sleep a night without getting up, di what can extend your life by using a CPAP.

Jump to this post

Thanks. This is helpful and good advice. Appreciated.

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carlybull1 | @carlybull1 | 1 day ago

Hello,
I wsd diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome, quite a shock!
Have a PM.
Trying to get use to the idea.
Does anyone else have issues eith short term memory?

REPLY
1 reply
carlybull1 | @carlybull1 | 1 day ago
In reply to @carlybull1 "Hello, I wsd diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome, quite a shock! Have a PM. Trying to..." + (show)
@carlybull1

Hello,
I wsd diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome, quite a shock!
Have a PM.
Trying to get use to the idea.
Does anyone else have issues eith short term memory?

Jump to this post

Yes! Was starting to think I had Dementia or Alzhiemers.

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1 reply
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