Benefits of CRT-D

Greetings to my fellow Pacemaker Club members. I just joined because my Cardiologist wants me to receive a CRT-D implant. I still have good energy, exercising daily and leading a fairly active life. However, my EF has gradually declined since my moderate heart attack almost 12-years ago. I'd be extremely grateful if any CRT-D recipients could address the following questions: (1) What is your inappropriate shock rate? (2) Has your EF improved? (3) Do you have less arrhythmia and generally feel better than before the implant? Thanks in advance for you kind consideration to my queries.

4 Comments

CRT-D

by Terry - 2014-06-27 08:06:08

CRT pacing is an attempt to simulate natural cardiac contraction. But, it still persists in bypassing the cardiac conduction system. Two leads pacing the ventricles are better than one, according to scientific studies, but the cardiac conduction system is like thousands of leads, choreographing ventricular contraction is reported to work better in preventing heart failure. That is why pacing the conduction system at the His bundle is now growing in popularity among the best informed doctors. Google "cardiac conduction system" and get empowered for control of your health at

All the best,
Terry

pacing

by Tracey_E - 2014-06-27 09:06:24

I do not have a crt-d but I have a couple of thoughts.

D is for defibrillator. It will shock you out of a dangerous rhythm and is unrelated to the need for pacing. Do you have those or are you at risk?? Because if not, then there's no rush to get it.

As for the CRT part, it has an excellent track record for increasing EF and helping people feel better, have more energy. If I were in your shoes, however, I'd want to wait until I actually felt bad to get it. Unless you are at risk and need the defib, I'd wait until it's a struggle to do what you want to do. If you are active and generally feel good, I don't think I'd jump into it.

Theoretically, inappropriate shocks are extremely rare.

CRT-D

by Terry - 2014-06-28 02:06:59

Woops, the last part of my message above (same title) disappeared!
I meant to help you find out about how the cardiac conduction system works, and how to avoid a 10% chance of heart failure hospitalization and death as suggested by the 2000+ patient study, MOST. Google PacemakerPatientAdvocacy.

Terry

CRT-D and Exercise

by Bluroo - 2016-04-28 05:04:10

I have had a CRT-D for 4 years and it has improved my EF from 25% to 55% ... I am able to walk 3-4 miles, on flat ground, without any problems. However, as soon as I attempt a grade or stairs, etc. the energy and breath go and it is as though lactic acid pours into the legs or arms.

My cardiologist suggested that perhaps the settings were established at rest and to determine if this is true, he wants to do a stress test, while being monitored and in the presence of the EP. Hopefully this will work, as the past wo times I tried to play tennis the defib fired.

anyone have similar problems or has had their crt-d adjusted while under duress

thank you and enjoy the day ... it is spectacular

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