Pacemaker Optinzation

CRT

by Lavender - 2022-08-04 09:43:07

I'm not a medical pro, but I do have a CRT-P. This device is my first and was chosen by my EP and cardiologist as best to treat my left bundle branch block/AV block. 
 

I can say that it took a bit of time but it did return my ejection fraction to normal. I'm 100 % dependent. I don't have Afib, so I can't speak for that.

CRT

by AgentX86 - 2022-08-04 10:29:39

CRT certainly doesn't work 100% of the time but it does work.  Only time will tell if it'll work for you. It's not hype. If you search through the archives, you'll find many examples of where it worked and some where it didn't.

Optimization involves getting the timing right so the two halves of the heart are synchronized propertly, which is the whole point of CRT.  If they're optimized so the ventricles are synchronized, why bother with CRT?

Pacemakers won't help Afib at all.  That's not the purpose.  They can only make the heart beat faster. Sometimes they can be used to walk the heart out of the onset of Afib but it doesn't work for many.

I have a CRT-P but not because I have cardiomyopathy, rather to stave it off, so I can't say it's improved my LVEF but hasn't fallen. Rather, I have my pacemaker because of Sick Sinus Syndrome but also have an AV ablation to supress the symptoms of Aflutter (similar to Afib) but that's a pretty drastic step.

CRT

by Hoser - 2022-08-05 22:19:29

I have a CRT-D and count myself extremely fortunate to have had my EF go from 15% to around 55% immediately after pacemaker implantation. It has since gone to aound 60% which is about as good as it can get.

Any claim that something like a pacemaker 'will' make your heart return to normal should not be believed, but it 'can' help your heart improve that much as my case proves.

Chin up, trust your providers, but verify what they say when you are unsure...

optimization

by islandgirl - 2022-08-06 23:48:21

I was upgraded to a CRT-D from a 2-lead ICD in Jan 2022.  

My EP would optimize my device about every 6 months after my pacing increased in my ventrical. He would see the need in my ECG due to dyssynchrony.  He spent at least an hour with an echo tech and my EP was on the device computer, calling out numbers back and forth.  The echo tech would take measurements and gather other information before the EP would come in and begin the optimization.  It was performed in the radiology deptl.  It definitely helped relieve pounding and other symptoms.  An ECG was performed after the optimization and he would compare the before and after (he usually had med students so it helped with my knowledge as well).  It got to the point where he could not synchronize my device adequately.  My device was upgraded when the battery indicated replacement.

EP would optimize my device about every 6 months

by Persephone - 2022-08-07 14:02:29

I also see scheduling this appt as a positive measure, shealray. It's a good thing your medical practice is trying to stay on top of taking care of what you need.