Atrial Fibrillation and pacemakers

[TomB59]

I have fairly consistent AFib and am an extremely active cyclist, xc skier and hiker (68 years old-AFib for about 10 years). I am on Tikosyn, Diovan, Coumadin, and Diltiazem. Will a two-lead Pacemaker have any effect on my activity levels? How will the Pacemaker affect the AFib? I barely notice the AFib when exercising, but a try on a beta blocker kept my heartrate so low I couldn't ride my bike. Is there any advantage to getting the Pacemaker now vs waiting?

[sarmisegetuza]

i know it has been many years ago since u wrote this, but i wanted to know how r u doing and if u ever decided long time ago to live with the afib. did u do it and if yes how r u doing now.
thanks pavel

[coribell]

What exactly is Afib? my doc thinks i have mvp and im on beta blocker plus 2 blood pressure meds but im not better and my docs on vacation this week or would try to get in today anyways my heart feels like a little earthquake is going on in there kinda feels jumpy like and also some vibration to im wondering if i might have the Afib?thanks

[Jerry_NJ]

I'd like to B59 too ; >)

I have had AFib for about 10 years myself with long periods of sinus following electrocardioversion procedures.  They no longer work for me, so I am now just trying to decide if I can just live with AFib or do I want to do something else to try to stop  the AFib.  One driver I have is I'd like to return to more vigorous exercise, including bike riding, street bike.  But, I find I get tired very easily once I start to push even a little, slight upgrade either walking or riding.  I haven't tried to get back to jogging, but that's another activity I engaged in when I was in sinus.  My cardiologist and my EP both say given my tolerance of AFib suggest it may be best for me to simply live with it.  My at rest symptoms are almost zero.

Why are you considering a pacemaker?  I was not aware that a pacemaker would be used to cure AFib, or maybe that's not what you're trying to accomplish.

Your note makes me think I need to get serious about exercise, maybe I can do serious walking/hiking again, even with AFib.