intermittent AV Block and fatigue

Hi, anyone else out there have intermittent AV Block? Did you have fatigue symptoms? If so, did getting a PM improve that?

I'm hoping to hear from people who specifically had intermittent heart block, not block 100% of the time.

My block is frequent but intermittent, but my fatigue is chronic. Not sure if the block is behind it, or how much better I would feel on a PM. Please share your experience if you were in this same boat.

Thanks much!

5 Comments

intermittent AV Block and fatigue

by shazza1956 - 2013-02-16 11:02:21

have same and had PM 12 years now, did not change my fatigue, I could sleep on a bed of nails anytime, anywhere, just also been checked for sleep apnia, all good on that front but I am very overweight, so onto a diet I go, see if that makes a difference.
They can't find any reason for it !

Tired

by golfgirl - 2013-02-17 01:02:54

Before my PM, I worked two jobs, one full time 7 - 3:30 the other 4-12 three to four evenings a week. Then I also took care of my aging mother, two sisters and their children, my husband, two step-children, two sons with mental disabilities, and my oldest son, his wife and a grandchild. I had energy to spare. Then I hit a hydro pole, was told it was due to a slow heart beat and a block, had the PM put in and was told I would return to "normal" in no time. I have not and it has been 2 years since my surgery, Feb. 28 this year. I quit smoking during that time as well, quit my one part time job, so I only work 40 hours now, moved to an apartment alone with my spouse so I don't take care of others anymore, and I have less energy than every before. Don't know why, it just is. So if I'm tired, I relax, go to bed early and don't fight it anymore. I'll bring up the subject with my Dr. the next time I have an appointment, but I certainly do not have any burst of energy anymore, which I find very disheartening, since I used to so active and outgoing.

thanks

by acordeon - 2013-02-17 02:02:41

Thanks for the comments, all. Very helpful to hear how it's gone for others.

@ElectricFrank, I'm not on any heart meds. Just thyroid replacement. My BP is a little lower these days than it used to be, but still in the normal range. like high 90's to mid 110's. Used to always be in the 120's. I do have some odd symptoms - little head rushes etc. that I think might be due to the lower BP.

I know the PM only paces when it's needed. That's why I'm asking this question. Doesn't seem obvious it would help the fatigue, but who knows? Maybe keeping a steadier heart rate throughout the day (and especially at night, when I know it tends to happen, along w/ slow HR) might lead to better rest etc.?

@golfgirl, wow, that kinda life would wear anyone out. Sounds to me like you deserve a rest. So you passed out at the wheel? And never had any heart symptoms before that?

Can't hurt

by ElectricFrank - 2013-02-17 12:02:53

The pacemaker will only provide pacing during the times your AV Bock is active. It may keep you from being light headed at some inconvenient time.

Are you on any meds? How is your blood pressure. If I settle down in my easy chair my BP will drop down into the 90/50 range and I feel wiped out. The phone will ring and I make a run for it. Now I'm wide awake and my BP will be up in the 120/80 range. It has a marked effect on blood flow to the brain.

frank

Thanks for the info

by ElectricFrank - 2013-02-18 01:02:09

There are so many causes of fatigue that it is hard to pin down what is happening.

frank

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