Pacemaker problems

Hi..! Am 35 years old and have had my pacemaker for just over 8 years and have no problems really but the last couple of weeks a haven't been feeling to good been very tired and getting a lot of palpations and chest discomfort I have been to see my GP and they have said that it sounds like the left side of my heart is struggling a wee bit! I was just wondering if there was any1 out there have maybe had the same problems in the past? Am hoping that it's just my pacemaker needing replaced and not anything else going on with my heart!.

2 Comments

diagnosis

by Tracey_E - 2014-03-07 07:03:16

How did your GP decide the left side wasn't working as hard? Just by listening or with an echo? If you haven't had it yet, you need an echo and probably a visit to your cardiologist. That will tell what your EF (ejection fraction) is, that's how hard the heart is working, what percentage of blood is pumped out with each beat. It is possible for this number to drop over time as we are paced. There are meds than can help if this is the case. When it gets too low, there is a new type of pm called a CRT which adds a third lead so it forces the ventricles to beat in sync. I assume you had blood work, etc, to rule out other causes of fatigue?

Palpitations can sometimes be pvc's, little partial ventricular beats between the regular beats. Most of us get them. They are annoying but harmless.

When your pm needs replaced, it has two modes. One is ERI, elective replacement mode. This is like the gas light in the car and lasts about 3 months. It still works the same as it always has. At the end of ERI is EOL, end of life. At this point, it cuts back function to conserve the last bit of power so it paces at a steady rate, usually 60. If you pace a lot, you will feel this immediately. It's safe but uncomfortable. I'm on #4 and have never gone EOL, we've always replaced it as soon as it went ERI. When you have it checked, they can give you an idea how much time is left.

Visit your EP/Cardiologist

by lbdina - 2014-03-07 11:03:14

My first visit would be to the EP/Cardiologist to check the PM settings and battery life. After 8 years, it could be nearing time for a battery replacement. If so, the PM may be switching modes to conserve energy, and that could account for the way you feel.

You know you're wired when...

You prefer rechargeable batteries.

Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.