Will a Pacemaker Treat My Atrial Fibrillation?

In this video, we explore whether a pacemaker can be used to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib). Understand the role of pacemakers, how they work, and their effectiveness in managing AFib symptoms. Discover the scenarios where a pacemaker might be beneficial and why it may not be the first line of treatment for AFib.

Key Points Covered:

1. Introduction to Pacemakers and AFib:

- Overview of atrial fibrillation and its symptoms.

- Explanation of how pacemakers work.

2. Pacemakers vs. AFib:

- Why pacemakers are not a direct treatment for AFib.

- The primary function of pacemakers in managing slow heart rates.

3. When a Pacemaker is Useful for AFib Patients:

- Situations where pacemakers can help manage AFib symptoms.

- Use of pacemakers alongside rate-controlling medications.

- The role of pacemakers in managing permanent AFib.

4. Long-term Considerations:

- Benefits and limitations of using a pacemaker for AFib.

- Importance of personalized treatment plans for AFib patients.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:38 - Understanding Atrial Fibrillation
01:10 - How Pacemakers Work
02:04 - Pacemakers and Slow Heart Rates
04:05 - Why Pacemakers Don't Directly Treat AFib
06:05 - Historical Context and Treatment Evolution
09:10 - Managing Permanent AFib with a Pacemaker
16:03 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Pacemakers can play a crucial role in managing certain aspects of atrial fibrillation, especially when combined with other treatments. However, they are not a standalone solution for AFib. If you found this video helpful, please like, share, and subscribe for more insights into heart health and AFib management.

👍 Like and Share this video to help others understand AFib treatments.
💬 Comment below with your questions or share your experiences with pacemakers and AFib!

Hashtags: #AtrialFibrillation #AFib #Pacemaker #HeartHealth #Cardiology #HeartRhythm

[peterduffield]

Thank you - now I actually understand! For me, this was an excellent video.

[Robert-migx]

This was the most educational video I have ever seen, thank you very much and God Bless. I will be doing a hybrid ablation soon, I am going in AFib all the time at a rate of 190 bpm, it's torture.

[bertasarria]

Thanks for your information, it was great

Great video..Very well explained..Thank you...

[lrc]

I have been binge watching Dr Lee's videos. Just sent a few to my brother-in-law. He has a cardiologist app in a few days. We all know it's hard to get enough time with a specialty doc. This is the future aided by AI. Get your questions into Doctor Lee now while he only has 1000 subs.

[ahlamkamil]

I’ve been diagnosed with permanent and severe AFib since 2015 . I had the Cardio version which helped for a very short time . Then, almost every kind of rhythm controlling medications were tried on me … but l kept getting sick and was in and out of the ER too many times. Then they started giving me the rate controlling medications which seemed better . I took Diltiazem and Bisoprolol for several years till l could not tolerate even the smallest dose of Bisoprolol. Now they kept me on Diltiazem, but had to raise the dose four times. I still suffer from sudden episodes where both my blood pressure and pulse go higher and higher and l feel so sick and nauseated and abnormally tired. Makes me so depressed as l feel helpless.

[Ketarine]

I need more evidence (anecdotal of course) from patients who have had an AV Node ablation and are pacemaker dependent for their AFIB - do you really not feel the symptoms? I'm symptomatic. I take metoprolol and amiodarone. Limited use on that drug and it is very toxic. I'm not eligible for a catheter ablation due to enlarged atria. Was told the next and last step is pace and ablate. But I'm only 55 and would hate to be at the end of the line and still feel my afib :(

[pijnto]

I have Biventricular CRT-D, I have both A-Fib and A-Fltr, going in tomorrow (in about eight hours) for a AV Node ablation.

[elenistamatakis]

I understand you but...
If u have severe
COPD, they can't put u under anesthesia for afib ablation.
So u have no choice but
Do the pace maker
Right??
Cause the pills 💊 for afib are more harmful than help

[dnichols]

The background music is so distracting.

[claudelebel]

It is a terrible idea to play music while giving out information, we are here for the information, not to be entertained or distracted

[tdsalumni]

Thank you for this. You responded to a comment I made on another video you did on AFIB vs Aflutter. I had told you my husband had six ablations and 13 cardioversions and we were seeing another EP specialist (we saw him yesterday…Dr Parik Sharma, EP section head now with Cleveland Clinic Weston.) Hubby has a LBB (had for some time) and implanted monitor which Dr Sharma was able to review. He said upon review that my husband was showing sinus node disfunction with HR 40-80. Had 316 episodes (over several months) with a 3.6% burden. Hubby’s EF is good but we are treating for heart failure. He believes the LBB and sinus node dysfunction calls for conductive system pacing, and though it won’t stop the AFIB, it should help with quality of life and the heart failure issues. He thinks it’s possible to address the AFIB if necessary down the road but the CSP would help with the SOB and fatigue hubby experiences and increase quality of life. Hubby is just 73. He was surprised this hadn’t been addressed before now. We are now researching this and trying to come up with questions, like is other testing required (like stress test) for definite diagnosis of sinus node dysfunction? It would be wonderful if the CSP would help with the fatigue and heart failure symptoms. On top of it, Hubby also has ALK positive lung cancer and the TKI med is known for bradycardia but dose has been adjusted. (The TKI is working so far, thankfully. The lung nodule was discovered during a heart CTA.) I just listened to your pacemaker information and now understand more about Av node ablation (not what we desire nor was it recommended) and thank you for your valuable and helpful videos. We have a lot on our plate. 🙃