Doctor said I needed a pacemaker

Have just been told that I need a pacemaker by two different cardiologist. However I have not been tested for a thyroid problem. Guess that is next. I am a triathlete and have a resting hr of 35. I do have an irregular heartbeat at times off and on and am beginning to have near syncope episodes. I have had a doppler,echo and stress thallium treadmill test and passed with flying colors. I had an event monitor for 30 days and had one 4 second pause with my heart. I have lots of energy,exercise 2 hours per day. No shortness of breath, no wheezing. The irregular heartbeat does not bother me only the near syncope when I am driving. Is there is test out there that will eliminate the heart being the problem? BTW I am a 67 year female.

17 Comments

Fellow Tri With Pacemaker 68

by JEM - 2010-08-13 09:08:37

Hi TRI 67:

Nice to hear your story. I did triathlons from age 45 to 65 without and problems, then I started with A-fib and an irregular heartbeat in August 2007 after my last and best Tri at 65.

My Cardio Dr. implanted a St Jude 2210 pacemaker in me July 2010 that suppresses A-fib and keeps my heart between 60 and 120 beats now. It is working great!

I wore a heart monitor for a month prior and they found my pulse dropped to as low as 20 at night while sleeping, partly because I was taking Sotalol 80 mg twice daily to control the 3 years of Paroxysmal A-fib. I was also one of those low pulse guys at rest (40 to 50) due to years of training and conditioning.

There are some medical theories that excessive extreme sports (triathlons) can modify one's heart over the years and cause an athletes hearts to beat irregularly as one ages?

I had similar problems as you describe, when I was in A-fib or AF I would get dizzy, pass out, faint, get sick, sweat and my QOL was very poor. When I was not in AF which was most of the time, I could compete with anyone. I had 20 AF episodes in 3 years.

The down side was often on the road or on travel I would go into A-fib, which ruined my trip as I had to return to my Dr. or often go to an ER for treatment. After 3 years of that "Merry Go Round" I agreed to an AF Pacer implant which minimizes all my previous issues.

Check out the St. Jude 2210 Pacemaker which is specifically designed for people with AF like me and possibly you.

They put a lead in the right atrial and ventricle of your heart to keep your heart in time beating normally between 60 and 120 or higher as desired.

You should Google: "Suppression of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation by Pacing" and you will find many medical articles on how the suppression works by an algorithm designed to keep you in zone and in sync via the St. Jude 2210 PM Computer implanted.

After awhile you probably could do Tri's again with no issues?

Works for me as a 68 year old triathlete and previous Navy Diver for 33 years.

If I can help answer any additional questions E-mail me at malltura@earthlink.net or in the club at JEM or malltura member names.

Regards and the Best!,

Jim Malloch Myrtle Beach, SC

Doctor said I needed a pacemaker

by tri67 - 2010-08-13 10:08:44

Thanks Jim for the info. I will check out the St Jude 2210 PM.
The doctor told me I have a junctional arrhythmia. He said the natural pacemaker in my heart is working so slow that the AV node is trying to take over. I think that is called a heart block even though it is not a physical block.
I am in training now to do another Tri that is coming up in September and I feel terrific when I am training and my heart rate is up. It is when I am sitting and resting that I go into the fainting and arrhythmia. That seems so strange to me.

Thanks again for all your info and kind words!!

Judy

Thanks!!

by tri67 - 2010-08-14 06:08:38

Thanks Edouard, Biker72 and Tracie H!!! You all make my decision so much easier to make. Sounds like my symptoms are almost identical to others!! I just couldn't understand how I could train for a Tri and have no problems but after exercise I would come close to passing out. I am having my thyroid checked Monday and then I go for the results and discuss when to have the PM inserted.

Thanks again!!

Judy

About those syncopes...

by Edouard - 2010-08-14 11:08:28

Hi Judy
I am a 58-year old males who has been swimming competitively for the last couple of years. First of all, let me express my highest regards for all triathletes. They're all very courageous although I sometimes wonder about their sanity! :-)
When "Pac-Man" was put in my shoulder 2 1/2 months ago, I was naturaly worried about how it would affect my training. After a recent check-up, I was told that I was pacing +/- 2% of the time. That low ratio made me question the wisdom of having had the operation at all and I made a somewhat flip posting about that.
Boy! Did I ever get an earfull from the other forum members. They can put your issues in perspective much better than I can. I suggest that you do a search for the posting called "hardly seems worth the effort" and look at the responses.
Best of luck
Edouard

Get The Thyroid Checked

by biker72 - 2010-08-14 12:08:10

Get your thyroid checked before making any decisions. I had thyroid cancer back in 1986 and the entire thyroid was removed.

For years I was on the same strength synthroid med with no problems. In just a few weeks time I became over medicated which greatly affected my AF. My internist caught it and lowered by dosage by 25%. This helped the AF problem but I still had it.

My internist has no explanation for the med change.

Been there!

by Tracie H - 2010-08-14 12:08:18

I, too, am a triathlete and have quite a similar story. The only difference is my syncope episodes scared me to death - I was worried something would happen in the lake or on the road. When the docs told me what the problem was (they found it through monitoring), I was happy to get a pacemaker. However, now I know I only pace less than 1%. There are many times I wonder if I really do need it. But as someone pointed out on this forum, that less than 1% can add up over time and when I do need it, I have it. I would encourage you to understand that having a pacemaker is not a defect or that something is wrong in a bad way. It's a life-saver, if not for your syncope episodes, but should something happen while you're training or racing. You should check out other potential problems such as someone suggested thryoid. I also had a messed up thyroid (which I found out after pm implant) - but my nutritionist did testing and showed me that all my training (I train and compete at the Ironman level) was creating cortisol, which was negatively affecting my thyroid. I'm now controlling that through supplements. I also use a naturopath and holistic nutritionist...much, much different than typical doctors. Either way and my point is you need to do what you are comfortable with - but know that your body is different because you're a mulit-sport athlete. We're a little different in many ways! :)

"Athletes Get These"

by PHop2010 - 2010-09-16 06:09:52

Hi Tri67,
I have the same thing - at rest, when relaxing, pre-syncope hit. My top end exercising was fine. Thought it was the blood pressure meds. Then I had two Type-II AV Blocks over a weekend, with no symptoms, captured on the monitor. Got off the meds for 60 days (ate L-Arginine a lot) and it happened again while relaxing shopping in Trader Joe's. I took the advice of the Clinical Manager after 60 days of no driving, and being very reluctant about getting the PM.
I was miserable. Now I'm 6 weeks recovering, eager to know if I can do pull ups again, working, driving OK. Am walking 2 mi. a day and doing Qi Gong (Lee Holden DVDs) regularly.
I played soccer 3-4 days a week through the 1990's.
I'm male, 56. The 2nd opinion Cardio I saw asked me right away, "Are you an athlete?" They know.
Best of luck to you.
/Pete

Surgery tomorrow

by tri67 - 2010-09-16 08:09:52

Hi Pete,
Thanks for sharing. I,too thought it was the blood pressure med that the Dr. put me on (not for BP-but for kidney's) and took myself off. the pre-syncope episodes became much worse . Had my thyroid check and the TSH is almost over the high end level. So I am showing the beginning of some thyroid problems but not enough according to the Dr. to warrant the type of heartbeat that I am having. So against my better judgment I am having pacemaker surgery tomorrow morning. I am anxious to start training again and wonder what the down time is. I have a Tri coming up and a half marathon. Someone told me the swimming will have to be 6 weeks before I swim again...bummer!! I also do Zumba as well as train for Tri's so can't wait to become active again!! Hate the down time. Thanks for the luck and hope to be telling you guys soon what a great choice I made having the surgery!! Judy

So how are things now ? It's Jan 2011

by PHop2010 - 2011-01-20 10:01:16

Hi Judy,
So how are things ? Did you get the PM ? Is it OK? Is it better than before ? I hope so.
I'm back online here after 4 months - feeling pretty good - got fatigue and some headaches from the 50mg metoprolol meds for the BP, but overall have gained strength and am enjoying Tango, Cha-cha and Waltz lessons as well as riding stationary bike. My Cardio Dr says "ramp it up". I do 15 push ups and occasional 2/3rd mile jogs and Qi Gong too. This was a real confidence killer for me a while not knowing what was causing all this but I'm happy to have the pacemaker in now, though I still can't believe it - it did cure the pre-fainting, the chest pains, which were very frequent - and I am pretty active again now after being isolated for 60-70 days no driving, pre-surgery. It's a tough thing to take, but there are plenty of people out there dealing with worse every day and just keepin' on, so I am grateful , with a new perspective on life altogether. It's why I'm dancing now! I'm trying to check off my "bucket list" items faster than ever before. Time to get out, visit, dance, relax and party more! /Pete

Things are great!!

by tri67 - 2011-01-21 12:01:18

Hi Pete, I did get the PM in September. I haven't had the first fainting spell and never get dizzy since the PM. The EP set the HR at 60 so I paced at 88 % of the time. Talked him into setting it at 55 and now I only pace 44 % of the time. I tried to tell him that I would pace even less if he set it at 50 but he didn't want to go that low. I have resumed my training for another Tri and have started up with Zumba again. Know what you mean about the "bucket list" skydiving is next on mine!! Judy

Checking back in !

by PHop2010 - 2011-09-20 01:09:59

Hi Judy,
I've been offline for months and wanted to check back in. I still get fatigue and some headaches. I'm tired enough to take naps frequently and my base energy to get out and do things is just low. Talked to my Cardio back in June and he said just keep exercising, but I don't have the energy to do more than a mile jogging. Workouts at the gym are fine, but my muscle fatigue when just biking is great. Seems I'm always recovering. I figure it's this metoprolol. The PM utilization was > 50% last checkup. How are you doing ? /Pete

Still training

by tri67 - 2011-09-20 02:09:34

Hi Pete,
Thanks for checking back in!! I am once again in training for the Tri, still biking,swimming and fast walking (hate running!) I have found that my energy level is lower than before the PM and questioned my doctor about the fatigue issue. He said I am pacing 30% of the time even after they set the low end to 55 bpm. My heart really wants to stay in the 40's!! He also adjusted the high end to 120 instead of 130 and that has helped somewhat. I am on no medication so it can't be meds that is affecting my energy. They did discover that I have the right side of my thyroid enlarged so that could be causing some of the problem. Before the PM I could do 2 hours of cardio and feel just terrific and now I am down to 1 hour and dragging. Could that be the PM causing it? Thanks again!! Judy

Got Energy! Check in again

by PHop2010 - 2012-02-26 06:02:12

Hi Judy, How are you ?
Late last Sept I got energy! Not sure if it was vitamins or just time. Got a new job too, managing people, same as old job, that required energy. I still don't do a lot of exercise, still at a 1/2 mile or less, but I do go to the gym and RUN through the long hallways at work sometimes, which is great. Fatigue and afternoon naps are sorta gone. I drink Starbucks. At one point, my Cardio said "go do what you want!" and don't come see me for a year. I think my PM usage is at 50% - it's set to kick in at 60, no lower. I have no top end limit. My Cardio said aspirin with caffeine was OK for headaches, so coffee is OK too. I'm kinda thrilled. I thank Jesus and look at the sky every night. Gotta find a new Salsa class, I outgrew my old dance instructors after 18 months and many classes.I do Yoga moves every morning and my static bike for 15" with the news on. I drink YOR Super Greens. It's $$$. But I like it. I'm still shy & wary, not 100% confident, but I should be. Things have been good. I would accept 1 hour of cardio exercise if I could get through it! You must be one awesome athlete to want to go 2 hours! Take care./Pete

Got Energy! Check in again

by PHop2010 - 2012-02-26 06:02:57

Hi Judy, How are you ?
Late last Sept I got energy! Not sure if it was vitamins or just time. Got a new job too, managing people, same as old job, that required energy. I still don't do a lot of exercise, still at a 1/2 mile or less, but I do go to the gym and RUN through the long hallways at work sometimes, which is great. Fatigue and afternoon naps are sorta gone. I drink Starbucks. At one point, my Cardio said "go do what you want!" and don't come see me for a year. I think my PM usage is at 50% - it's set to kick in at 60, no lower. I have no top end limit. My Cardio said aspirin with caffeine was OK for headaches, so coffee is OK too. I'm kinda thrilled. I thank Jesus and look at the sky every night. Gotta find a new Salsa class, I outgrew my old dance instructors after 18 months and many classes.I do Yoga moves every morning and my static bike for 15" with the news on. I drink YOR Super Greens. It's $$$. But I like it. I'm still shy & wary, not 100% confident, but I should be. Things have been good. I would accept 1 hour of cardio exercise if I could get through it! You must be one awesome athlete to want to go 2 hours! Take care./Pete

Checking in again

by tri67 - 2012-02-26 09:02:26

Hi Pete,
Nice to hear from you again!! I am still training but my energy has decreased and so I am down to about 1 hour a day of aerobic exercise. I pace at less than 30 % on my last PM exam. The doctor did put me on thyroid medication and I am feeling better and I think I am pacing a lot less also. Less "dragging"feeling. I have been having trouble with my right knee since the accident in the Tri and the doctor says no more Tri's because it doesn't want me to jog or run. I told him I'll just amp up my swimming and biking and walk fast!! Love my Tri's!! I still do Zumba but am nowhere close to outgrowing my instructor. She is a bundle of energy! But she is 30 years younger than me!! Stay well and healthy!! Judy

Got Energy

by tri67 - 2013-01-05 01:01:38

Hi Pete,
I had a very Happy New Year!! How about you?
My energy is down a bit since the ortho told me i needed a total knee replacement. Have had pain in my right knee off and on and lately more on than off so went to Jewett Clinic and was informed that my knee was a mess. Partly from the fall in the Tri and partly due to osteo. I am not having surgery unless I have exhausted all other options!! I have cut my exercise down to only 1 hour a day 5x a week with lots of swimming in between. I have a that shows my HB even while swimming. It is a great little watch!! The surgeon says absolutely no running!! Even if I have knee replacement it is still no running....wears the plastic part out too fast!! . My knee is in the getting better phase so am getting back up to speed slowly. My last Pacemaker check was excellent. Only pacing about 20 % of the time. I think the thyroid meds that they put me on has helped with the irregular heartbeat. Going for another pm check at end of month.
Keep up the good work at the gym. Nothing feels better than a good workout and those nice endorphins!!
Stay well. Judy

Got Energy!

by PHop2010 - 2013-01-05 12:01:44

Hi Judy,
Hope all is well. Your last entry sounds energetic! That's great.
*Happy New Year* !
I have lost my fatigue finally. I am going to the gym 3x's a week now since before Christmas. Treadmill and weights. I can do 7 straight arm pullups. I also do stationary bike and yoga in the mornings. It took my gym manager to tell me "go get your gear and get down here!" to get back in to the regular gym routine again. So I am glad. Now I need to get in to jogging for 30" if I can. Finally opened my Polar FT7 box that's been sitting on the shelf , so I can see what my heart is really doing. Usually at the gym the treadmill shows my heart rate which is great but I'd like to see it at other times. Hope all is good, I should check in ehre more frequently.
/Pete

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