More Atrial flutters or pvc's after electric shock?

Question

I had an electro conversion at Christmas this year. Seems like I can't exercise without having irregular beats. I was in the hospital and in AFib for 4 days. I was exhausted and out of work for a month. Been back a couple of weeks, but seems like I'm having more issues, or maybe just hypersensitive, thinking "Here we go again." Does this seem normal to have more problems after a conversion than before? The cardiologist doesn't want to see me for another year, told me I could go right back to work (I could barely stand). I am having some more tests (CTA scan) to determine if I have any blockages so I can try the "pill in the pocket" strategy with Rhythmol when (yeah, I said "when" not "if.") I have another episode. I am hoping retirement will de-stress me enough that the arrythmias might not be a problem. Although my episodes have not been at work, there has been plenty of adrenaline related stress there. Do they use pacemakers for AFib? I've had several people ask me hasn't anyone suggested one.

DeltaDawn23 · Answer

Jerry --

Thanks for the info.  I am on Atenolol, but seem to still have irregular beats (PAC's) when exercising. My cardiologist says exercise is the best thing I can do, which I find difficult after working all day.  

I am hesitant to go on the more serious anti-arrythmic medications.

I think the people who are asking about a pacemaker have issues such as heart failure.  I do exercise with one young woman who had A-Fib she was unaware of, tried ablation and now has an implanted pacemaker/defibrillator, which may be the situation you described with the sinus node ablation. 

Thanks again for the input.

Jerry_NJ · Answer

I don't completely follow your post, but will give a few thoughts.

Electrocardioversion (shock) is used to shock the heart out of AFib and back into Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR).    Even if it works there is no guarantee the heart will not revert back to AFib.  In my experience the shock treatment is followed up with ongoing rhythm medication(s).

I do not associate a pacemaker with treatment for AFib, as if the heart is actively triggering beats all the pacemaker can do is add extra/additional beats.  This mode is used to protect against a heart stop in people with Bradycardia (a too slow HR)... there may be other uses.  The pacemaker can also be used in a heart that has had its sinus node (maybe more, don't remember) ablated (put out of service).  In this case the pacemaker provides the only beat signal to the heart, the patient is fully dependent on the pacemaker to keep the heart beating.  I suppose this is one way to stop AFib, but I have never read anything that would make me believe a pacemaker is used for this purpose.