atrial fibrilation with a pacemaker

[JCRN]

I am 51 yrs old and I just received my second pacemaker after 9 years with the first one due to PSVT and av node ablation with pacemaker implanted in 1997. After the pacemaker, I had and still have atrial fibrilation. My question is, should I be on any medications for atrial fib? I still can feel it when atrial fib kicks in.I have a history of pericarditis, idiopatic in nature, and asthma.What are some of the problems that I may experience if I don't get the A-fib under control?
Thanks,
JCRN

[PikaPika88]

The pacemaker should be in sensing the atrial and pacing the ventricle. (Pace out of AF)  Are your AF with quick ventricular response?  Do you have a 2 leads or 1 lead pacemaker?  My cardio said if pacing in VVIR then the pacemaker will not care for your AF.

[mmfd]

Well, I hope you're on Coumadin at a minimum. That will help prevent clots forming from the atria not contracting efficiently.  I believe that the trend now is to put people on meds to prevent the af, but they don't always work.  If your heart rate is controlled, that is, normal like 60-90, then they might leave you in af if you have no symptoms.  As long as you are on a blood thinner like Coumadin, it's ok not to take anything else, I think.