Soon to be Newbie

Anyone?

by AgentX86 - 2022-04-02 23:12:44

I'm not sure about block + LBBB.  Heart block (A/V block) stops it all.  Given that, what does LBBB add to the mix?  Maybe they present themselves at adifferent HR?

Anyway, I'd guess that more than half of the members here have heart block. It's very common. A CRT (biventricular) pacemaker is unusual in this case, at least out of the gate.  Dual chamber, certainly. 

The pacemaker's job, in the case of HB, is to essentially short circuit the A/V node.  The RA lead senses the start of the heartbeat, then it waits some time and starts the right ventricle's contraction. The left ventricle comes along for the ride.

The purpose of the CRT pacemaker is to better synchronize the RA and LA if it becomes a problem.

Adjustment

by Theknotguy - 2022-04-03 16:46:17

I don't have your issue.  I was active with afib.  Then got heart block.  Passed out on the trail.  When they got to me my heart rate was 20.  EMT's did CPR. Broken ribs, chest tube, six day coma.  Took me two years to get back to "normal".

Point being, when I got back to "normal" I was able to do everything I did before plus a few other things because I now  had a good heart rate.  Amazing what the body can do with a good blood supply, a good heart beat, and oxygen. So I wouldn't automatically count yourself out just because you have the issues and need a pacer.  The advantage you have is that you are active going in before you get the pacemaker.  

It may take them a while to "dial you in", but you should be able to be active while they're doing that.  First time around it's harder because you have to adjust to having the leads plus the pacer.  Second time is easier because everything is there.  But, just the same, you should be able to return to your previous lifestyle.  Maybe not at the same level as before but you can still do stuff.  

Two final things, (1), I was six years out, started doing some new stuff and my pacer couldn't keep up.  Did some tests with my EP and they determined my pacer rate settings weren't keeping up with me.  Brought in a mfg. rep and they did some changes.  With the new rate response settings my pacer was able to keep up with me.

(2) After you get your pacer, if you aren't getting answers from your doctor, your pacemaker website, or anyone else, stop in at your local hospital and see if you can talk to one of your pacemaker reps.  Those are the people who go in the OR and make sure the pacemaker is set correctly prior to implantation.  They are a wealth of information and can sometimes give you some really good insights.  They can't answer specific questions about you but can answer textbook questions.  

Hope your implant goes well and your adjustment to your pacemaker goes well too.
 

CRT for LBBB

by Julros - 2022-04-04 17:48:22

I was unaware that CRT could treat LBBB, but that makes sense because it would correct for the delay in electrical signal between the right and left side of the heart. Hopefully, your doctors have discovered why you have a LBBB. 

Wishing the best and hope your pacemaker improves your quality of life. 

Soon to be Newbie

by MartyR - 2022-04-05 00:12:37

Thank you all very much for the insights and encouragement!!

Pacer setting is very high...

by MartyR - 2024-05-20 11:40:55

Need some advise please if anyone has dealt with this issue:

Medtronic Azure XT dual chamber pacer implanted June 2022 for Mobitz II and LBBB only at high excercise > 140 bpm (minimum setting is 40 bpm bc I normally am in the 30's).  Avid runner and triathlete and no heart muscle issues... all conduction.  Running was awful in July 2022 and found out the pacer was only "operating" <1% of time.  August 2022 Medtronic rep worked with Electrophysiologist to dial me in; essentially set the pacer to do its thing up to 190 bpm.  Essentially the pacer went from doing its thing <1% of the time to >97% of the time.  Running has been great ever since, although I am a little slower but not terrible.  I have questioned my doctor, ever since, about this high percentage bc I have read the heart may atrophy if pacer settings are too high.  Another thing is the pacer life will be shorter.  His response is that the pacer is not really pacing me constantly, but watching me.  I again questioned at my last 6 month checkup, so I had an echocardiogram in November 2023 and all was good.  My next checkup is this week and I will again question the 97%.  I really like my electro. and he is an avid cyclist, so he obviously "gets me" and my active lifestyle.  So, do I need to be concerned about this setting?  I just don't like the pacer being involved when I am not at high exercise nor at rest.

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks!