Gasps and falling backwards

I received a pacemaker in September 2021.  I was diagnosed with tachycardia and bradycardia.  It scares my husband because I seem to have involuntary intakes of breath like gasps followed by an audible sigh and then also I sometimes start to go backwards.  Has anyone else had these problems?  

3 Comments

Gasps and falling back

by TAC - 2022-02-26 23:36:04

When the reason for implanting a pacemaker is tachycardia/bradycardia, it is usually because a sick sinus. That means that the PM is replacing your sinus. The gasping episodes you're describing might represent episodes of dyspnea (shortness of breath) and pre-syncope. Dyspnea may be related to some arrhythmia, valvular disease or conduction defect, which reduces the pumping efficiency of your heart. You have to notify your heart doctor. Dyspnea is not caused by a PM.

 

Falling backwards

by AgentX86 - 2022-02-27 16:32:51

I'm not sure what you mean by "falling backward" but if you mean literally falling, rather than figuratively, get help immediately.  Falling backwards is the worst way to fall.  We can't easily protect our head and the impact can cause life threatening injury.  We normally protect ourselves by falling on the side or front with our hands, elbow or shoulder to protct the head.  It's instinct.  We may fracture an arm or shoulder, breaking the fall but it's highly unlikely to take a rap on the head.  There is no way for the hands to help when falling bacwards.

Some thoughts

by Gotrhythm - 2022-02-28 14:15:25

Just before the gasp, do you have a feeling in your chest/throat like trying to suck air through a blocked straw? 

I felt the need to gasp when PACs would give me that blocked air feeling for a second.

I would also ask if you're someone who unconsiously holds their breath? If so, a sudden tachycardia episode might make you gasp.

As you may have been told, your pacemaker can only help with the brady part of your diagnosis. The pacemaker can't prevent your heart from going too fast. (Tachy)

In either case, the gasping is not something caused by your pacemaker or a sign that anything is wrong with your pacemaker.

Ditto "falling backward."

It isn't clear from your post whether you have actually fallen backward or if you just have a momentary feeling as if you are going backward. But falling, in any direction is never good. 
This is something to mention to your doctor.

You know you're wired when...

“Batteries not included” takes on a new meaning.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!