a fib for 21 hours ???

had the PM checkup yesterday,and apparently I'm in afib about 27% of the time...Now I've read where some are in afib 100% of the time...So I'm not realy worried, but curious about something, since I'm in new territory here. I was also told that on one occasion, I was in a-fib for about 21 straight hours...started at 8:15am on a day when I went to cardio rehab around 9am...at around 9:15 or so, after 10 mins on the bike, I tried to find my pulse, had trouble establishing my rate, so they "Hooked me up" said I was in afib...I remember the day well... after rehab, I didn't feel bad or indifferent or anything... such is the case with afib I suppose... everyone handles it or experiences it differently.
My question is this... what exactly was my pacemaker doing during this 21 hour episode? I'm still trying to figure out the role of the pm in dealing with afib... I understand that it doesn't prevent afib, but besides storing important info, just what is it's function during these episodes? Overall, I feel pretty good and am happy that I can tolerate the afib without any serious repercussions...I get tired at times, but who doesn't. so what's the little bugger doing for 21 hrs while I'm a-fibbin? what role is it playing in this a-fibbin journey?

Lou...

1 Comments

a fib 21 hours

by Ty - 2013-03-29 07:03:39

I have been in a-fib for very long periods of time also, days at the time. My understanding is the PM paces you through the a-fib to prevent lack of circulation and to generate a beat in the chamber of the heart preventing damage to the ventricules. My PM paces anywhere for 99% of the time to 70% of the time. The next time you are at the doctors or are seeing your tech ask them to explain it in detail. Good Luck!

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