Post CABG arrhythmias
Hello All, I have a quick question. I had a triple bypass approximately 17 months ago. I had a ton of complications and ended up spending close to three weeks on the telemetry unit. I never had a heart arrhythmia prior to my heart attack and 3X CABG, but I have now had Atrial Fibrillation on an almost daily basis since my release from the hospital. The docs said it was normal to develop heartbeat irregularities after bypass surgery, but that they would subside as time passed. Now my cardiac surgeon, cardiologist, interventional cardiologist and electrophysiologist all agree that my Afib is here to stay. Virtually all of the medication I now take are to control my Atrial Fibrillation, which they do relatively poorly. Even though I have recovered fairly well from the bypass (two of the three grafts are still open, including both mammary arteriesonly one saphenous vein closed up within the first year), the Atrial Fibrillation is a real drag on my quality of life. So, the question is, has anyone else in this group developed any kind of permanent atrial or ventricular arrhythmias as a result of a heart attack or a CABG surgery? Wishing you all good health, CABG Boy
permanent atrial or ventricular arrhythmias as a result of a heart attack or a CABG surgery?<< I had second CABGX5 in 1989 and developed an atrial arrhythmia. Was told also it is not uncommon. Never slowed me down as I was cycling 5000 miles a year and did cross country in 1997. As I wrote here about 10 days ago I underwent EECP to see if I could develop collateral blood flow for blocked RCA graft. During the treatment you are hooked up to EKG which controls this big air pump. Because of my heart skipping beats occasionally it affected the pumping. Thursday I was doing a 30 mile ride with a friend and after 30 minutes realized that I had not paid any attention to angina because there was none. Usually it is in the back of my mind. Still waiting for insurance company to approve 10 more treatments. With those extra treatments maybe I can challenge Lance next year. Harry K "The ByPassed Bicylist
Hello mjk, wow! sounds like you have really had a rough time. I had afib in the recovery and was told it would probably not happen again. Now I'm worried. I was still so groggy that I can barely remember what happened except it really was painful and I thought I couldn't breathe. Do hope yours goes away. I had bypass surgery 11 months ago and still have back, chest and neck pain that feels like arthritis. Other than advil or something really doesn't seem like there is much that can be done about. Guess you can't fix one thing without messing up something else. Ann
Hello 'CABG Boy', Atrial Fibrilation can be a real drag as you stated. I had a few events after CABG (and also after AVR) but fortunately, mine cleared up within 6 weeks. You did not say what drugs you are on or have tried. With permanent A-Fib, most patients are put on Coumadin anti-coagulation medication to prevent clots from forming and / or dissolve any that may form. Beta Blockers and Digoxin are often used to control A-Fib. If they don't work, there is a VERY POWERFUL drug, Amiodarone, which 'usually' works. This is the drug of LAST RESORT as it also has some SERIOUS Side Effects if taken for long periods of time. You should be able to find out more about this drug doing a Google Search or from your Cardiologist or Pharmacist. You may also want to discuss the option of a Pacemaker (I'm not sure if they can be used to slow the heart, or just to speed up the heart if / when the heart rate drops too low). There has been a lot of discussion on this topic on the ValveReplacement.com Forums. You can search the archives under A-Fib and / or Amiodarone. Good luck in finding a solution this this debilitating condition. 'AL'
Here are some additional methods of controlling A-Fib: Cardiac Ablation(sp?) using Radio Frequency 'zapping' and the newer (more precisely controlled) Cryogenic Ablation technique. Ask your Doctors about these options. 'AL'
In a message dated 8/23/03 12:10:45 AM Central Daylight Time, mjk1492@... writes: << I am going to go with the Pulmonary Vein Ablation that you discussed. You did not mention whether you were looking at RF Ablation or Cryogenic Ablation. I recently read an article on Cryogenic Ablation that indicates it can be done with greater precision and therefore less chance of 'inadvertent' affects to surrounding tissues. I will see if I can find the link to that article. It was posted on ValveReplacement.com but I forgot which of the (several) forums. It can probably be found using their search function. 'AL'