Heart Block Cured, Should PM Be Removed

I had my aortic valve replaced at The Cleveland Clinic in September. During the surgery, the surgeon found a shelf of calcium just below the AV node and removed it. The removal of the calcium shelf has eliminated my heart block and the need for my pacemaker.

My question is, should I consider having the pacemaker sugically removed? I have had the pacemaker since February of 2007.

Thank you,
Blnmakerr

2 Comments

This is a question for your Doctor!

by dward - 2007-12-05 04:12:53

I would be asking my Doctor about this. There are a few things to consider, most of which are medical related.

Should PM Be Removed

by SMITTY - 2007-12-05 07:12:36

Hi Binmaker,

I agree with Dward, and I wouldn't hurry to have it removed unless the pacemaker is causing you a problem. Too many times we see heart problems come and go and while not likely, it is possible that you will need the thing again.

I had a problem with mine once that seemed to have not solution and the EP offered to remove it. I declined and the low set point was changed to 30 from 70. Since my normal heart rate never went that low I wore the thing for more than two years with it doing nothing. It didn't bother me and when I was able to get things corrected about 27 to 29 months later when I began to need it, it was reset to a range of 70 to 110 and worked fine.

But to repeat, some heart problems have a way of coming and going and if it were me, I repeat if it were me, I would wait unless it was giving me a serious problem.

Good luck,

Smitty

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