What am I to do
I am 50 YO male and a father of two beautiful girls 2 and 4. I was diagnosed with Bradycardia on 1/31/09. I was having light headed episodes while driving and thought it was neurological or my high stress job. Episodes were due to toprol xl, a beta blocker that I was taking because I had slightly elevated BP (>130). Off meds, had cath work done, heart and pipes are clean. Have worn several HOLTER monitors and event recorders. BPM decent during the day ( >50) while sitting at work, higher (60-75) when moving around, but goes down to an average of 44-45 at night while sleeping or when I lay flat. Can exercise well, getting BPM > 140-150 for 30 minutes at gym during cardio, good recovery rate. After Cath work, EP came in and said she had a spot for me the next day, I resisted and wanted to think about it. After wearing 4 HOLTER's, she stated that my average BPM was 50 or > so no need for a PM @ this time. She stated that my symptons will dictate whether I need a PM. My concern is that my BPM will get so low that my heart will stop in my sleep. Where is the cut off for this? Should I stop fooling around and get a PM? After reading some of the posts here I am kind of scared.
1 Comments
You know you're wired when...
You get your device tuned-up for hot dates.
Member Quotes
Try to concentrate on how youre able to be active again and feel normal, rather than on having a machine stuck in your body.
We are all different...
by LIVE_STRONG - 2009-04-28 04:04:17
I have only had my PM since July of 08, so there are many folks here with lots more experience than I.
I can tell you this, our symptoms are very much alike only I had chronic fatigue.
I had the choice. BUT, my HR was dropping to 30 when at rest. That was the cut off for me. Actually anything less than 40 was to close for comfort.
I am athletic so my HR was always in the low 40,s.
I would say your EP is right, it really depends on how you feel and if you have increased symptoms.
My PM is set at 50. Anything higher feels strange to me. I don't have an upper limit as my HR increases on it's own appropriately.
Hope this helps...
Holly