Re: Junctional Rhythm

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on January 12, 1999 at 09:50:45:

In Reply to: Junctional Rhythm posted by Dee on January 09, 1999 at 10:51:52:







: : Dear Dee
From your letter, it sounds like you had a paroxysmal atrial tachycardia focus ablated. This would be different from sinus node reentry.  It sounds like you really do have IST, and a beta blocker is reasonable treatment; potentially, you could have a catheter-based modification of your sinus node to treat IST, but this procedure is not nearly as successful as ablations of SVTs.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
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Hi Dr. DLB,
Oh thank God!  I think I did misunderstand because he was talking about the sinus node modification for the IST.  He said he would not recommend this in my case because the beta blocker control the IST.  He said a fair number of times they result in a pacemaker, which I wouldn't want.  He really discouraged against this in my case.  I am VERY happy the beta blocker controls it.
I will see what the plan is for the SVTs/junctional rhythm on the 14th.  Since there are so many terms used that cover roughly the same thing, is junctional rhythm the same as what he ablated for (PAT)?  Mary is telling me my impulse is starting higher than normal now (in some instances I guess).
Thanks so much for your answer!
Dee
:-)
Dear Dee
A junctional rhythm is different from PAT; it originates form a different part of the heart than the site of your ablation.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck.
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.