Scheduled for a pacemaker

I am told that I have a complete heart block and need to have a pacemaker. Strange part is I did not really have any symptoms. Occassionaly a lightheaded dizzy spell about once every couple of months. I was going through some tests for some stomach issues. Before they ever started the tests drs. kept commenting on how low my heart rate was (in the mid 40's) which was pretty normal for me most of the time. While under for the tests heart rate aparently dropped in the 30s and they noticed irregular heart beats. So I was referred to a cardiologist, after ekg and echocardiogram was told I had a complete heart block and also a leaky aortic valve. They are also saying that they believe both were conditions I was born with (congenital). I am 41 years old and in younger age ran track 6 years, did gymnastics and drill team. And have exercised on and off through my adult years. I don't understand how this has never been found that I was born with these conditions if I have never had any trouble with the conditions. It's hard for me to believe that I need a pacemaker when I feel fine. I do not really every feel overly tired. However I take it seriously because my mother had a lot of health problems including an enlarged heart and she died at age 60.

5 Comments

hidden problems

by Tracey_E - 2013-03-09 08:03:39

It's rare, but it's possible to get to adulthood and not diagnose a congenital block. If you didn't have symptoms, then you didn't have a reason to have a cardiac work up sooner. The only other reason to catch it would be if you happened to have an ekg at a time when you were in block. It doesn't show up just listening to your heart. It's possible you picked it up along the way. Sometimes it just happens, sometimes an infection causes it, some medications can cause it. It's an electrical short circuit, not a structural issue.

At this point it really doesn't matter what caused it. What's important is you are informed and can make a decision where to go next. Technically anything under 60 is labeled bradycardia but many people get by just fine with a rate in the 50's or even 40's. 40's is low but if you don't have symptoms and can do whatever you want and feel good, it's ok to watch it for a while and see what happens. 30's is a different story. Even if you don't feel it, at this rate your organs are getting starved of oxygen they need so even if you feel ok, damage is being done to your body. And every time you exercise without your rate going up, it is very hard on your body because your atrial rate IS going up but the ventricles are not, so the heart is out of sync.

My CCHB was diagnosed when I was 5, the pediatrician noticed my hr was always so he sent me for a cardiac work up. My hr was 44 always, no matter what I did. It stayed that way until my mid 20's when it dipped to the 30's more often. I put the pm off as long as possible, waited until one day my hr plummeted to the low 20's and I ended up in emergency surgery. In case you're wondering, that's not the easy way to do it ;) I felt great after, realized my energy wasn't as good as I thought it had been, little health problems suddenly went away, my mind was sharper. I wish I had done it sooner- the surgery was easier than I expected and I felt better than I expected.

I'll leave you with one final thought. When you start to get symptoms it can be like it was with me, so gradual that I didn't realize I was getting worse until it was critical, or some people's first symptom is passing out. We've had members pass out for the first time while driving, so they end up recovering from their pm surgery as well as the accident injuries. I really think you are doing the right thing, even though it's hard to make the decision to proceed when you basically feel good. If you have questions about the surgery or recovery, ask away! We've all been there.

Thank you

by Snlp - 2013-03-09 11:03:25

Tracy E thank you for the comment this is helpful. My Dr. did say it was better to deal with it now rather than waiting until I started feeling bad or having other health problems. I am curious if I find if I feel a lot better than I realized I could and maybe can do so much more.

Glad you found us!

by Grateful Heart - 2013-03-10 06:03:52

It's a shock/denial for most of us when they tell us we need a heart device. It is good they caught it in time before something terrible happened, such as passing out while driving like Tracey said or falling and hitting your head while having dizzy spells.

Read and learn all you can about your conditions and pacemaker/ ICD devices. Right here is a great place to start. I didn't know about this site until more than 2 years after my implant. Ask any questions you may have, this is a great group of caring, knowledgeable people.

We are lucky, there is a fix for our conditions. You probably will feel much better.

Take care,
Grateful Heart

Light headed and dizzy

by SherriW - 2013-03-11 04:03:37

I am also new to this site. I am 52 and did not have any symptoms except for feeling light headed a couple of times. I was rushed by ambulance directly from a scheduled doctors appointment, and had the surgery the next morning. I also found out that I had a genetic 2nd degree heart block, which I was completely unaware of. I am still recuperating and trying to get over the emotional shock. Everything happened so fast. I have found that everyone that posts is extremely caring and helpful. They have answered so many of my questions and have been very supportive. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Preparing for what's to come

by Snlp - 2013-03-11 11:03:23

I am very thankful for finding this group of great people. I agree AngrySparrow the important thing is to focus on the solution and not the problem. The more I talk about what's to come it helps me to accept it and work towards a positive outlook. Don't get me wrong, I'm still nervous and a little scared, but putting my trust in God that everything will be fine. SherriW I hope your recovery continues to go well. Thank you everyone who has shared with me.

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