Posted by Roger Meyer on March 12, 2002 at 23:04:39:
In Reply to: Re: 6 Months & More Afib posted by TC on March 12, 2002 at 15:37:00:
TC
Responding to your question as to what junctional rhythm is, I will give you my layman understanding.
It is my understanding that there are three potential sources for an electrical impulse that fires the heart. The first, and most efficient, is normal sinus rhythm (NSR) which initiates in an atrial node on the atrium. From what I understand the heart functions most efficiently when in NSR. The second, or backup, is junctional rhythm where the impulse does not come from the atrial node, but rather initiates from a node which I think is between the atrium and the ventricle. This is junctional rhythm and while efficient, it is not as efficient as NSR. The third and least efficient is the "firing" from a ventriclar node. This at least is the understanding I have, and I feel somewhat exposed in front of this community of readers with my explanation. There are I know many others who have great technical knowledge concerning the functions of the heart and hopefully they will contribute answers to your question.
I am told by my cardiologist that he wants to allow my heart time to convert to NSR, when the atrial node "wakes up" again. If in time, the node does not start firing again, it is my understanding from my cardiologist that if I can function adequately while in junctional rhythm, I will be left in junctional. If not, it is my understanding that a pacemaker could be an answer. To be honest, I would rather not have the pacemaker as long as I feel great and function as I do now. I feel no limitations at all and cannot tell the difference.
Roger