ICD Test

Hi
I had a debfiulator put in me 3 years ago I was a little dubious as to wether I needed on as I had no symptoms at the time.But my ejection errror was 14 and it has since gotten up to 50 and my heart went from being somewhat enlarged to normal a year ago. A couple of days ago I went and had my ICD checked and it showed the bottom on my heart was not working indepentely from the ICD this is a change from last Novemeber, I actually almost passed out when they were testing it. The techincan told me that is how they liked the heart to be depended on the ICD so they can do what they want.
Does this make any sense to you? I was so shocked. The technican and the nurse tried to change the subject .A doctor was consulted and he asked them to order electrolite and potassium tests.
This is a new thing for me I would appreciate anyones input. I just found this web site tonight
Thanks allot

5 Comments

WORRY

by pete - 2009-07-06 03:07:53

Your pacemaker is doing its job. Things do change and your pacemaker is able to sense these changes and respond accordingly. It does sound as though you have benefitted greatly from your pacemaker. Yes they do temporarily alter the way your pacemaker is running to check things are ok at a pacing check. Patients react differently to this testng. I am always warned I might feel a bit unwell during the test, but luckily I never do. I think you can relax and not worry too much about this change. Cheers Peter

THANKS

by kokodog - 2009-07-06 11:07:23

Dear Peter
Thank you you made my day. It is such good reasonable advise. It is so easy to panic but you have helped me so much
Thanks again

it makes no sense

by jessie - 2009-07-06 12:07:22

if you just found out that you are maybe in worse shape than you were then i would say that is a heck of a shock to you. the best thing to do is ask to see your cardiologist. some of these technicians are whacko so ask these same questions of your cardiologist or even your family dr. it sounds like they were not prepared to tell you the facts and really should not have. i am a nurse retired now but i find this above info inappropriate and also stressful and it never should have happened this way. welcome to the pacemakers club. some people know a lot more than me so you should soon hear other answers. jessie from wallaceburg ontario canada on the michigan border to the usa

Hey kokodog

by drpod89 - 2009-07-09 09:07:47

Sounds like you were in a similar situation to me 3 years ago. I get my PM installed in about 2 weeks. I have had no symptoms. My ejection fraction was 20%. I am really happy to hear that the PM helped you and your heart is beating normally again. If you got your EF up to 50% your PM is working great. That is where I hope to be in a couple years! Nice job!
Welcome to the club, make sure you log in and post often. There are a lot of great people/testimonials here.

From what I can see, jessie is on the right track. If you get a response that is not quite right from a tech, I would not hesitate to call the Cardiologist or Electrophysiologist. A lot of these techs are not particularily qualified to give medical advice, and 90% of them lack any couth or "bedside manner". Best thing to do is find someone you trust to verify any and all questions you have, and try to relax.

Good luck!

~drpod89~

Give this some thought

by complex - 2011-05-21 06:05:09

When you received your ICD you were at increased risk for sudden cardiac death. Your EF was low and if iyou were given regular ICD then the device was there to protect you but did nothing to improve your heart muscle. Perhaps you had a viral infection that caused damage to you heart etc. Perhaps following a heart attack this took place after a heart attack. Any number of factors effect the pumping ability of the heart and the risk for electrical distrubance. The fact that the lower chambers of your heart are now requiring pacing is an electrical abnormality. The fact is you have been protected with your device for heart beats that are abnomal and rapid as well heart rates that are to slow. The slow rates are protected by pacemaker portion of you device.One of the reasons all defibrillators have pacers are because the electical conduction in the heart changes over time. Your device is in place. It protects you from both circumstances. Percentages are numbers. Some patients are concerned with how often they pace. This can vary because of medications, elctrolytes, activity, device set up. Try not to worry, talk to your EP.

You know you're wired when...

You have a 25 year mortgage on your device.

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