Pacemaker Club: ATP - anti tachycardia pacing

ATP - anti tachycardia pacing

by Cartman
2014-12-14 11:12:15
ICDs
3438 views
4 comments

What does it feel like when the ICD uses anti tachycardia pacing (ATP) to break arrhythmia or tachycardia?????

4 Comments

ATP in ICDs

by golden_snitch - 2014-12-14 02:12:16

Theknotguy,

the difference between ATP for atrial flutter (the feature does not work for Afib, only for flutter, asked Medtronic) and ATP for ventricular arrhythmias is that the latter tries to break a life-threatening arrhythmia. So, the person first goes into a ventricular tachycardia, and then ATP kicks in - not at all comparable to your ATP or APP. Yes, the feature operates similar, but you cannot compare trying to break an atrial flutter with trying to break a really dangerous ventricular arrhythmia.

Kirkmanj, I do not have an ICD myself, but I know several people who do. They say that when they go into an episode of ventricular tachy, they have the typical symptoms for that - like getting dizzy or feeling sick, break out in sweat etc. - , and when the ATP kicks in, they feel a couple of very strong beats, almost like premature ventricular contractions, but stronger.

Inga

twice

by Hamsquatch - 2015-02-26 01:02:43

I've had two therapies Jan 25 and Feb 1, didn;t feel a thing and was not even aware they happened until I returned to ICD clinic for regular appointment.

twice also

by trixie1112 - 2015-03-06 07:03:46

Once while watching TV and once while reading, sitting down and I felt a strong rapid fluttering in my chest. It was over in seconds. When I went for my device check the mentioned two episodes of ATP and asked if I had felt anything I said yes but it did not hurt and was over in seconds. The nurse stated most people report feeling nothing. I think I like the fact I can feel my device working it makes me feel safe.

I always feel it

by nefus - 2017-12-05 02:10:02

I've had an ICD for almost 5 years, and quite a few cardiac events under my belt. I do feel ATP (for ventricular arrythmias) when it happens. It feels like light a quick sequence of light taps (or a flutter, as trixie noted) in the the chest.