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Heart Rhythm (Expert Forum)
ASD surgery post op ...
Answered by
Michael J. McWilliams, M.D. - atrial fibrillation, Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Arrhythmias (SVT, VT), PVC/PAC, Ablation
Wilmington Health Associates
Wilmington - NC
Questions in the Heart Rhythm forum cover topics that include heart rhythm issues, arrhythmia, irregular heartbeat, implanted defibrillators, pacemakers, and tachycardia.
ASD surgery post op ...
by BrightBlueMoon, Dec 02, 2008 08:09AM
Hi...
I had ASD surgery in 2001. My HR has been steadily declining since. Wore a holter monitor for 24 hrs last week. Findings include: heart palps from the bottom of my heart. He says thats ok.
Is it normal to damage the SA node during this type of surgery? DR says that the SA node was damaged during the surgery. My HR is normally 43 and dips into the 30s when sleeping. I know a pacemaker is in my future...this scares me greatly. I have been taking .5mg lorazepam to sleep because I can't seem to wrap my head around this...
Please help ...
I had ASD surgery in 2001. My HR has been steadily declining since. Wore a holter monitor for 24 hrs last week. Findings include: heart palps from the bottom of my heart. He says thats ok.
Is it normal to damage the SA node during this type of surgery? DR says that the SA node was damaged during the surgery. My HR is normally 43 and dips into the 30s when sleeping. I know a pacemaker is in my future...this scares me greatly. I have been taking .5mg lorazepam to sleep because I can't seem to wrap my head around this...
Please help ...
Doctor's Answer
by Michael J. McWilliams, M.D., Dec 02, 2008 07:16PM
, Dec 02, 2008 07:16PM
If a right atrial incision is made, it can affect sinus node function. This is a common approach. Honestly if you had a surgery to repair an ASD, a pacemaker is much simpler to do and has lower risks.
You are probably right about the pacemaker being in your future.
You are probably right about the pacemaker being in your future.
Member Comments (2)
by angiebugg, Jan 10, 2009 08:50AM
To: Bright Blue Moon
I had an ASD repair when i was 16 in 1991. Ihave been on dozens of heart meds since. Ive been in and out of the hospital for atrial flutter, tachicardia, bradycardia, palpitations, and so on. I have had every test done there is. Finally at the age of 33 i had radio ablation done. This has helped alot but i still have eptopic beats and some flutters. You need to see a electrophsiologist and they can do something for you. I was also told i would need a pacemaker in the future....but so far so good and im off all heart meds! I feel for you and know exactly what your going through! God bless and hope you get some help for this. Angela
by Jewls82, Feb 04, 2009 01:19PM
A related discussion, ASD was started.
