atrial fibrillation and mode switch

Posted By mariette on July 25, 1998 at 14:05:48:







Dear doctors!
First o fall I would like to thank you that you take the time and effort to help everyone with all their question! Thanks!
My question is as follows:
I had 2 strokes recently (I am 30 years old), have a pacemaker and clotting trouble (8x DVT as well as PE). My most recent pacemaker check-up indicated several mode switches. The mode switch is operational as from 175 bpm, whereas an atrial high rate is indicated and reported as from 180 bpm. Now is my question:
1) would it be possible that when the pacemaker (Medtronic Kappa) detects and reports a mode switch that it was a high atrial rate (and therefore caused the mode switch) due to a-fib?
2) is it possible to have a-fib while having a lower rate? Or is a-fib always at a high rate?
3) is is wise to have the pacemaker programmed with the feature mode switch "on"?
and
4) what are the symptoms of a-fib under a lower rate? Sometimes I can feel a "fluttering" sensation.
I am on coumadin, aspirine and sotalol. Therefore:
5? what in your opinion is the best drug to prevent the a-fib?
The neurologist suspects that the strokes were caused by the a-fib.
Any help would be very much appreciated! Thanks very much in advance!
Mariette (NL)