LPN

I have a question I was wondering if someone could help me get it answered. I have a 90year old. the pacemaker battery is dying. The 90 year old is not a surgical candidate to replace. Current HR 30 and regular, B/P low. Anyone know what to expect? I have been expecting SOB as well as MI sx's, 90 year old is dizzy when sitting or standing. What do you think?

4 Comments

New PM implanted at age 100

by Artist - 2015-02-09 01:02:35

My 101 year old Mother had her 3rd PM implanted at age 100. It was no problem since leads did not need replacement. She was sent home that same day. She had some pain since they only use a local anesthetic, but that was to be expected and was not a problem. It would have been a life threatening problem if they just let her PM die at her advanced age--dizziness, weakness, threat of falling, possible broken hip etc. At 101 she is still active and does not even use a walker!

without pacing

by Tracey_E - 2015-02-09 08:02:43

If her rate is 30, she's definitely not pacing anymore, so it's as if she doesn't have it. SOB and dizzy is normal, perhaps passing out. There's no reason to expect MI, that's caused when blood flow is cut off to part of the heart, not a low rate. My hr dropped to the 40's to the 30's, it was 22 when I was admitted. It was like being drunk. I was pretty out of it, very dizzy and tired, my fingernails were purple.

Assuming the leads are ok, replacement can be done with just a local, no other anesthesia required. It's a 15 min procedure. I would try to find a way to do it if possible, jmho, it would make her a lot more comfortable.

PM Battery

by annieoakley - 2015-02-10 01:02:07

She has a hx of DVT which is why I am worried about MI since her HR is so low blood flow is also decreased. I will have to check and see if there is anything goung on with the leads. Thank you all for commenting so quickly.

PM Battery

by annieoakley - 2015-02-15 05:02:54

Cabg Patch, Thank you for your comment. She is very tired and dizzy but she continues to get up to eat, drink. It has been a couple of weeks since we discovered her HR is only 30. It has been consistent. It surprises me though as her Oxygen level remains 95%-98%..

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