Re: Afib and Bradycardia

[Jackie-Mosburg]

Posted By Jackie Mossburg on June 10, 1999 at 11:37:27
Yesterday morning when I got out of bed, I lay down on the floor to do  abdominal crunches.  As soon as my head touched the floor, I felt my heart go into afib.  I checked my BP and it was 150/100; my pulse was 70.  I took my .125 daily dose of lanoxin and went for a four mile walk.  (I normally take my lanoxin with my breakfast after I've finished my exercise.  I believe that minimizes the drug's effect.)   At the end of the walk, my heart had converted to normal sinus, my BP was 130/80 and my pulse was down to 50; I felt fine.  Within an hour, my pulse was down to 39 and my BP was 90/60; I felt weak.  No matter what I did all day (including a ten mile bike ride), I could not get my pulse to even reach 50.  In your opinion should I be taking lanoxin?  I have been taking it since I was diagnosed with afib two years ago.  My Dr. has tried topral and cardizem C.D.  I felt rotten most of the time when taking either of those, and my afib has gotten worse since I've been on medication.  I take coumadin and have had no ill effects from that.    

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on June 10, 1999 at 16:14:47
Dear Jackie
Digoxin does not actually prevent afib or cause the rhythm to revert to normal. It does keep the heart rate from getting too fast if afib does occur. Sometimes it can slow the pulse down too much. However, what you describe sounds like sick sinus syndrome - afib episodes alternating with periods of slow heart rate. A pacemaker is usually needed in this situation. You should see your cardiologist and be evaluated for the presence of this condition.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.











Follow Ups:


Afib and Bradycardia Jackie Mossburg 6/10/1999
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Re: Afib and Bradycardia CCF CARDIO MD - DLB 6/14/1999
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