Re: ablation and pacemaker

Posted By Emily on June 13, 1999 at 13:27:40
I have been diagnosed with inappropriate sinus tachycardia.  I have tried several beta blockers and now a combination of Inderal and Digoxin.  My doctor is planing on repeating the Holter and echo and reccommending that I see an EP doctor in Bethesda (military).  I have been told that if I have an ablation, I will most likley need a pacemaker.  I have been dealing with this condition for 1 and a half years and I've come to terms with the idea of a pacemaker because my quality of life right now is poor due to the dyspnea, SOB, activity intolerance etc.  My question is ... if I due need a pacemaker 1) Will it be placed during the ablation?  2) Will it be done by the same doctor?  3) Will it require an inpatient stay... and how long?  I would also appreciate any other information you might think useful on the subjects of undergoing an ablstion and pacemaker insertion.    Thank You

[CF-CARDIO-MD-JMF]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD  JMF on June 13, 1999 at 20:34:19
Dear  Emily,
Thank you for your question.  It is important for you to have as much information regarding  the potential procedure you are about to go through.  If in fact you do have an inappropriate sinus tachycardia and medication is not working.  A definitive cure is in fact an ablation of the Sinus node.  Unfortunately, the sinus node is responsible for controlling heart rate and your  heart rate response to stress or exercise.  Without your sinus node, you will require a pacemaker.  Please be certain that potential causes for your tachycardia have been ruled out including hyperthyroidism or other endocrine abnormalities.  
You may want to seek the opinion of another electrophysiologist and i have included information below.
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 and 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.











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