answers

So I looked on the threads and didn't see answers. I've logged in as a member. Where are the comments to threads?
I'm 56 and have a RHR of 40 with a class 3 AV heart block and recently was diagnosed with atrial flutter, and the possible need for a pacemaker. I can do a 5K and am training for a grand canyon backpacking trip, and my pulse gets up to 170 or higer during runs. But the flutter makes sense since about 2 years ago my ability to tolerate exercise drastically dropped, and I put it down to "life s____ks after 50."
Trying to keep the doctor from putting in a pacemaker after the ablation, but he says it depends on how much the av block affects the pulse rate.
Particulary interested in comments how a pacemaker has affected ww kayaking, and how a md determinces whether to put a pacemaker in besides just low heart rate.

3 Comments

Not sure what you mean by "threads"

by janetinak - 2012-12-10 03:12:52

but you mean you want to check previous posts you can go up to the upper right corner of this page & look under "Search" button,

I don't kayak but have a PM after an AV node ablation & have my rate response on & probably could kayak if I was younger & had less arthritis, Hope this helps,

Janet

comments

by Tracey_E - 2012-12-10 05:12:48

As Janet said, you can search old posts in the upper right hand corner. If you click on a post, you'll go to another screen with all the comments under it.

Atrial flutter isn't usually fixed with a pm, but it sounds like you know that. AV block, on the other hand, is about the easiest thing to fix because all the pm is doing is completing the broken circuit by making the ventricles beat in sync with the atria. Generally if the resting rate is under 50-60 and/or we are symptomatic, then it's time to get the pm. It's a judgment call, there are no black and white answers but really, 40 is not even close to borderline. Even if we think we feel pretty good, a low rate means less oxygen for our organs which puts stress on them. I found my energy dropped so gradually that I didn't realize how bad it had gotten until I felt better again.

Once you heal, you'll be able to kayak. About the only thing we should avoid is high impact sports where we're likely to take a hard direct hit to the pm such as competitive karate or tackle football. And those are ok if you take care, they even make shirts with guards. Really, there are very few limitations, a small price to pay for energy and the ability to be active again.

RE: answers

by cuhead - 2012-12-12 09:12:59

Agree w/ TraceyE on this one. I am healthy 36yo male and was an active swimmer (10km weekly) until a couple of months ago. Apparently my bradycardia that I suspected overnight, started acting up during the day. My bpm was sometimes as low as 30bpm, and sometimes I was missing beats altogether.

I might've gotten by for awhile longer but when I became symptomatic during the daytime and it was interferring w/ my quality of life it was time for the PM.

I'm happy I did, my energy bounced back quicker than I thought, and in a few weeks I should be able to start building back my stamina and swimming again.

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Member Quotes

Yesterday I moved to a new place in my mind and realized how bad I felt 'before' and the difference my pacemaker has made.