Cardioversion

@abob
Lots of things can cause irregular heart beat. I assume you were using a automatic BP like I have that gives you your BP and pulse rate.

Does your husband also have PVCs. You mentioned only the AFIB.

Cardioversion correct the issue at the time you get it. It does not mean cannot return. I have a ACID/Pacemaker implanted and have had many shocks to bring me out of VFIB. Does not mean I cannot go back into it

Hi also had cardioversion it takes time to recoop the fitbit sense 2 has a great afib tester an monitor

Thx for your reply.
Husband had ablations for 2 Afib areas and 2 flutters. 3 weeks after, EP just did Cardioversion which he said was successful. I thought that meant shocked into regular heartbeats. We were surprised that BP machine showed good BP but irregular heartbeat that evening.

What’s the point of Cardioversion if irregulars remain?

Thx. I thought Cardioversion shocked heart back to normal rhythm. That if it was successful as EP said it was, why did his BP machine show irregular heartbeat that evening?

@abob
I know it is frustrating! Cardiocoversion is to correct an electrical issue. It works most of the time but does not guarantee the problem will not come back and need it again.

I have a ICD/Pacemaker. I have had my ICD go off and shock me probably 10 times over the 20 years I have had one. The ICD shock is same as cardiocoversion in that it shocks the heart back into rympthm. As you can see it does not mean the irregular heart beat or tachacaridia will not return and need a cardocoversion again or like me another ICD shock.

Asked your EP about supplements like magnesium that are routinely recommended to help with arrytmias (spell). There are many prescriptions you can take that will help the heart stay in regular rympthm also.

Thanks so much. I really appreciate your feedback.

He is on Amoidare for 3 mths to stabilize rhythm.
Will check with Dr re magnesium and supplements.
Good to know that ICD is an option.

My husband has had 10 cardio versions and 3 ablations over the last 10 years. He is currently in normal rhythm after the last cardioversion last Friday. I would highly recommend buying the KardiaMobile device to monitor your heart rhythm. It actually gives you an EKG on your cell phone. Google it for more information. This device is easy to use with your phone and detects different types of arrhythmias. It is much more sensitive than a BP machine.
Since my husband’s cardiologist will not do more than 3 ablations, the next step is to continue with cardioversions should the a-fib return or to get a pacemaker. We use the Kardia Mobile device to monitor his heart rhythm because it picks up a-fib when the BP machine often misses it.

Thanks. I found the KardiaMobile device on Amazon: 6-leads, 1-lead, card wallet size. Which do you use?

Why would you prefer cardioversions to a pacemaker?

We bought the single lead a long time ago before the others were available. Since that works well and gives the same information about the type of arrhythmias we did not upgrade. If I were buying a new one today I might try the 6 lead. We only use it to see if my husband is in a-fib so the single lead is fine for us now. It is my understanding the 6 lead gives the same arrhythmia type information but may be a little more sensitive because of the extra leads and the info can be transmitted to your cardiologist. But it is also a little more difficult to use as you have to hold it on one leg while you do it as that is one of the areas for the extra leads. The single lead you just put on a table and put your fingers on it. We don’t have a need to transmit the info to a doctor, we just make an appointment and they do the regular EKG.
As far as a pacemaker, for now we don’t mind doing a cardio version once or twice a year (in at 8 am and out by 11 am). Since his heart rate and BP are normal even when in a-fib, he doesn’t feel terrible, just a little “off” until he gets shocked. If it gets to the point where we have to do the cardioversions more often or he starts feeling worse when in a-fib then a pacemaker would be the next step. It is my understanding that with a pacemaker you also have to be careful with certain things like airport security screening, etc. so just one more thing to worry about. Do you have a pacemaker and if so which one?

The advancements in ICDs and Pacemakers had been dramatic. Most now have limited issues with MRIs, electrical equipment, etc. Airports have gone away from using electrical screening for metal to screenings that are approved for those with ICD/Pacemakers.

I see some post about getting cardiocoversions and mentioning pacemakers. Do you mean ICD? A pacemaker does not shock you back into rympthm it is to pvovide an electrical trigger to your heart muscle to "pace" when it gets to low, to high, and or a problem with normal sinus rympthm and you need a pacing of the heart.

And ICD is a device that monitors your heart rympthm and can detect issues that need to have your heart shocked back into rympthm. I have had about 10 shocks over the 20 years I have had a device.

The only problem I have now is my ICD/Pacemaker wires that were implanted back in 2006 are not MRI compliant. I am looking forward (3 more years of battery life) into the new improved version coming up.

I have a home monitor device called Latitude. The new ones do not require a box like device and sends your device information to your medical provider using your phone. The new ICD and pacemakers or a dual device have gone through so much improvements over earlier models.