Pacemaker

Hi all I had my pacemaker implanted in February 2021 after being diagnosed with complete heart block, the electrical system of my heart wasn't working as it was supposed to the AV Node wasn't picking up the signal from the SA Node to tell it it's your turn to do your thing, all checkups have been good until my most recent.

My yearly checkups with the clinic has shown my pacemaker usage around 4 to 5 percent but my recent checkup shows 100% usage in the bottom chambers of the heart, they didn't seemed to be concerned with this but it did have me thinking do I have anything to worry about.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

3 Comments

Who? Me worry?

by AgentX86 - 2024-06-07 13:10:35

No, there is nothing to worry about.  That's exactly what a heart block is.  your AV node no longer conducts the electrical signal from the upper chamber to the lower, so your pacemaker does it. It has to be 100%, or you're not in complete heart block or your heart isn't beating.

The 4-5% in the upper chambers is probably just your rate falling a little below where your pacemaker is set, likely while you're sleeping.

This is all perfectly normal.  If it were any different, I might ask some questoins, but just enjoy life.  Forget about your pacemaker. All is good.

100% Pacing

by KHammond - 2024-06-08 09:07:00

Worry may not be the right word but there are some things to be concerned with (aware of) when you are 100% paced in the right ventricle.  Some people experience dyssynchrony where the right side of the heart and the left side are not timed exactly right, so it beats in a less efficient manner and can lead to some unfavorable heart conditions down the road.  My cardiologists are evaluating me right now for this condition as my left ventricle ejection fraction has been falling since my pacemaker was implanted and I am 100% paced in the right ventricle.  My recent cardiac CT scan showed an ejection fraction of 43% (down from 65%) so I am now scheduled for another echocardiogram (more accurate than CT)to try and accurately determine the percentage along with my mitral valve performance.  If my ejection fraction is shown to be low then I may be a candidate for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy ( a new pacemaker and a third lead into the left ventricle).  Hoping not.

If you are already paced in both ventricles then they should be able to get your timing right and remove the worry of dyssynchrony.

KH   

Me too!

by Johnxyz - 2024-06-10 19:11:58

Pacemaker - your condition with Heart Bolck 3 and 100% pacing for the bottom of your heart is the exact condition I have. My upper heart recieves pacing also 3% to 4% of the time.

When the doctrors did my pacemaker it was an emergency surgery so no pre surgery consulting. He said after the surgery I could have gotten by with a single lead pacemaker but his experience was that it was better to go ahead and install a dual lead pacemaker in case things develop which would necessitate he go back in and install a second lead and dual placemaker. I am glad he took the initiative and installed the dual lead pacemaker and two leads when they did my pacemaker surgery.

That was 4 years ago. I have had no problems since he put in my pacemaker and have nothing but praise for him and the wonderful life saving devices these pacemakers are.

Best wishes for your health!

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.