ICD & shortness of breath

Hi, I had an ICD implanted last summer due to 2nd degree heart block. My symptoms were dizziness and one episode of fainting. I took some time to adjust the device but after feeling ok for a couple of months I often experience a breathing discomfort during a rest. I can cycle a 100km or hike all day long and feel as if nothing ever happened but as soons as I sit down I feel shortness of breath which eventually leads to dizziness. Cardiologist said that my heart is in a very good shape except for the "electrical system". Pacemaker is configured to keep at least 60 bpm, I'm 33 years old. Could it be that the pulse is to low during rest? I already had it increased from 50 in October beacase it was way to low.

1 Comments

Dizziness

by mckate - 2018-01-04 15:57:56

Hi, I have third degree heartblock and am young also (31yo). I've had my PM for a decade and find that the more cardiovascular activities I do, I get the same effects. I can make it up 8 flights of stairs, but once I stop things get fuzzy and dim. It does resolve quickly. I know that technology just isn't up to the natural technology we were born with. The pacemaker works hard to keep up, then once we stop, it doesn't react as appropriately as our natural pacemaker would. I try to slow down instead of stopping abruptly, and it helps moderately.

Because of this issue, I tend to shy from cardiovascular exercises and prefer lifting weights or yoga. If your doctor has done a stress test and deemed you safe to exercise, there's nothing to fear. They've done it for me and despite my feelings, they have confirmed I'm safe to do as I want.

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