Ventricular pacing change

Have had my pacemaker since 1995.  For many years, when my Dr would check it, he'd remark how I hardly ever use it.  Latest battery, for example, has now lasted 13 yrs, and they are telling me 2-3 years until replacement.

In today's check, the tech told me that I am pacing 100% in the ventricles.   What the heck is that all about?   What would cause the change from hardly using it, to 100% use?

Thanks

3 Comments

ask the doctor

by Tracey_E - 2017-11-04 09:22:07

Assuming the tech was correct and you understood the doctor correctly in the past, it sounds like you developed av block, when the signal breaks down between the atria and ventricles. Why did you get it originally? If it was for av block, it's not uncommon for it to progress over time. Most of us with 3rd degree block pace 100%, but a big leap like that is odd.

It's not common but people can suddenly develop av block, if you are one of them you just happened to have the fix in place already.

I would be more curious than worried. The pacer has already fixed the problem. 

AV block

by Gwesqsrq - 2017-11-04 10:55:08

Initial diagnosis, in my 40's, was 1 degree AV block.  I guess at 70 it's progressed.

I realize that it's been about 5 years since I had anyone comment on my usage, so it may have been progressing.

 

THank you.

 

normal

by Tracey_E - 2017-11-04 11:25:11

That's actually pretty normal, for 1st degree to eventually progress to 3rd degree. 30 years to progress completely is good. 

You know you're wired when...

You have a 25 year mortgage on your device.

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