2nd Day With a PM

Just got out of the hospital. PM Tech said he set my new PM parameters from a low of 60 BPM to a high of 120 BPM. When I stand up I become dizzy? My heart watch indicates 59 to 60 BPM. Is my initial setting too low? Or is this dizziness a normal side effect?

My cardiologist recommended a PM because of 3 years of P-Afib and major swings in pulse rates which were no longer controllable with Sotalol 80 mg x 2 daily. He said he could not increase Meds dose unless I had a PM to prevent very low pulse? Any inputs appreciated! JEM Thanks

3 Comments

Hi!

by pezzypooh - 2010-07-30 07:07:57

Have they checked you for Orthostatic Hypotension? That is where most of my dizziness stems from...change in position from laying to sitting...sitting to standing...squatting to standing...it's worth looking into...

I can say from my experience that dizziness is not a normal side effect from the pacemaker itself, but I could be wrong...

Good luck to you!

Dizziness

by Wrighj22 - 2010-07-30 08:07:10

I agree with the above post. I too have had this issue of dizziness and addressed it with my doctor. It is because your muscles do not contract fast enough and the blood pressure takes a nose dive when you stand up. Talk to your doctor, but adjusting positions slowly allowing your body more time to adjust could help for now until you get to see your physician.

Dizziness...

by pezzypooh - 2010-08-01 06:08:24

Hi... to add to my other comment...I take Midodrine to combat the dizziness from Orthostatic Hypotension...the pacemaker settings do not necessarily fix it...just a thought...maybe a medication is needed...

You know you're wired when...

You’re officially battery-operated.

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At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!