light headed and dizziness

Dizziness/lightheadedness

by Gemita - 2021-03-06 02:59:11

Tulp, I am really sorry about your worsening symptoms.  It sounds to me like the higher blood pressure/heart rate may be a cause for your increased symptoms of dizziness/light headedness.  Worsening symptoms need to be addressed and the sooner, the better.  

Do you have arrhythmias?  I see you have heart failure, cardiomyopathy and had acute pulmonary edema.  My arrhythmias increased in intensity immediately after pacemaker implant while my heart was healing and getting used to pacing.  What is your lower heart rate set at?  Mine is set at 70 bpm.  It is known that sometimes a higher heart rate setting may increase blood pressure and increased blood pressure and heart rate can certainly lead to dizziness/lightheadedness.  

I think external monitoring to see what is going on, like an event monitor or 24 hour blood pressure monitor to try to find the cause of your worsening symptoms would be a good idea?   Alternatively can you do a transmission to your clinic and they can have a look at your heart rhythm and rate?

Did your general doctor do any blood checks on Wednesday to look for any obvious signs of infection or other causes for dizziness like anaemia, high/low blood glucose levels?   Are you drinking plenty of fluids because dehydration can certainly cause dizziness.  I note you had a negative Covid check.   Your doctor might want to check your electrolytes too, especially if you have been dehydrated, but I certainly wouldn’t let this go on for too long without an answer, especially with your medical history.

Your arm symptoms will take time to improve and is normal I would think.  Your main worry is your other symptoms.  Perhaps on Monday you should try to speak to your clinic team?  I hope you will soon be feeling better

heartbeat settings

by Tulp - 2021-03-06 07:40:10

I used to be at 55 to 60 before the surgery, now I noticed I am around 70 since.

The current settings are 50/150.

I know they have my data, since Biotronik has a gsm telemedecine messenger service. I have the messenger in my bedroom, the transmissions are automatically send every night.

And yes, I had bloodwork done, and seemed ok when it came back.

I think I will see it thru this weekend and call the cardiologist office on monday uf I dont feel any better

Thank you

🌷 Tulp

Blood pressure?

by Gemita - 2021-03-06 08:15:46

Hello Tulp,

Did your doctor check your blood pressure on Wednesday?  You mention it was increased, alongside heart rate.  With your medical history, heart failure/cardiomyopathy, even a slight increase in both blood pressure and heart rate could stress your heart further causing symptoms until your heart recovers from implant procedure.  

You mention you haven't had any changes to medication but if your dizziness/lightheadedness continues I would still go back to your doctors for advice, just to be on the safe side.  Okay I have just seen your updated message and I am glad you have come to a decision to call your Cardiologist on Monday if you do not feel any better.

I note your downloads have not triggered any response from the pacemaker clinic, so that is a good sign.  My heart rate was running higher than the lower setting of 70 bpm for a couple months Tulp so the higher rate could be normal until your heart heals.

Otherwise try to rest lots and relax and perhaps don't go back to work until your dizziness eases?

heartbeat settings

by Tulp - 2021-03-06 10:35:12

I have been nearly lying down since a week. So I m resting and taking it easy.

As for work, I have had an extension to my sick leave untill at least april 1st. (Not a april fool joke 😄) so I will fine.

My blood pressure was higher then before, but the doctor said it was perfect 120/80.

Before surgery it was appr 100/55 ot 60.

Thanks again 🌿

Dizziness and lightheadenss

by Selwyn - 2021-03-06 15:08:40

Hi Tulp,

Your BP and pulse seem fine.

So soon after surgery you can expect increased anxiety and awareness of your body ( eg. heart beat). Providing you have no underlying medical problems ( eg anaemia, kidney probs, Addison's disease, thyroid probs etc), your BP is not high enough to cause symptoms. The most likely cause is anxiety ( and who has not had this after surgery?!). Lying prone for a week would induce lightheadedness and dizziness on standing if are getting on the go again. A gradual, graded approach is best, doing activity  to minimize symptoms.

Almost all of us cope with disaster ( ie. surgery), and then once the stress has worn off there is a counter balance with energy by a period of tiredness. Nice that you have time off work. I was back at work after a week - not a good idea!

response to Selwyn

by Tulp - 2021-03-07 10:38:46

Hi Selwyn

Ill keep it in mind. Thanks for your advice

I felt the same

by TLee - 2021-03-07 11:19:56

I have been dealing with a-fib that comes & goes. Seemed it was either going to be a "bad heart day" or a "good heart day", bad days having the type of symptoms you describe. Got the pacemaker for pauses that happen when my heart tries to return to sinus rhythm. My doctor seemed to feel the need to stress that I would still have a-fib after the pacemaker was implanted (he must get complaints!). I did have it, and it did seem worse! It is very discouraging when the treatment seems worse than the disease! It is now almost 6 weeks post-procedure, and I am doing much better. The pacemeker will keep my heart from slowing too much, so a week ago my doctor prescribed a low-dose beta blocker (Metoprolol) that was off-limits for me previously. I have not had the dizziness or lightheaded feeling lately, and the shortness of breath seems better as well (but I do have COPD, so there's that). I have some periods of feeling my heart beat really hard--not necessarily rapidly, like a-fib, but just like it is jumping in my chest, and I'm wondering if this has something to do with the function of the pacemaker. I have an appointment coming up & I intend to ask. I do think that it is true, as some have said, we do become more sensitive to what our body is telling us, and that is probably not a bad thing. Anyway, the moral of my long & ongoing story is that time & treatment will help. Good luck in getting through the first rough weeks!