Rob - Age 52; Update

Greetings -

First, I wanted to thank the people inthis space that privided me with numerous insights and information regarding a "blip" I had withmy pacemaker. Apparently, I had a period about a week ago where I had a high heart rate and the MD asked me to come in.

As an update, today I had my visit. He said it could be a blockage, even though I am not sympthomatic and have no history. So, he is setting up a CT Scan and I guess we will take it from there.

Hoping for the best...and thanks!
Rob

3 Comments

don't worry

by Tracey_E - 2013-03-11 02:03:34

How high was it and how long did it last? Unless it was crazy high, if it only happened once I wouldn't bother with any tests, but that's just me! I've had high rates off an on for years for no reason. As long as it's not dangerously fast or an abnormal rhythm, my dr isn't worried about it. Lots of us with av block who are now paced get occasional racing.

Blockages generally don't cause racing. Blocked arteries are structural, racing is electrical. You already know you have an electrical block.

fine line

by Tracey_E - 2013-03-11 02:03:47

There is a difference between being conscientious and running up the bill. Or sometimes it's just fear of malpractice so they send us for every test they can think of as cya. Am I too cynical? lol

If you felt bad, if it went on for hours, if it was super fast (over 200), if it was fibrillation rather than just regular strong beats, if it was coming from the ventricles rather than the atria, those are all reasons to investigate.

Silly question... did it happen at a time when you were active? For a while I kept having episodes where I'd hit my upper rate (atria beat faster than the pm was programmed to pace the ventricles), a dozen or more showed on the reports every time I had the pm checked. But they all happened between 7 and 7:20 am, which is when I'm at the gym. So, it wasn't exactly a good thing that I kept maxing out, but there was a simple explanation for it.

Go with your gut. Some people worry a lot and sleep better if they've had lots of tests to show they're ok. Me, I am not a worrier, probably about as mellow as they come, so if there isn't a compelling reason, I won't have the test or take the medication. YMMV, of course.

Thanks!

by Rob52 - 2013-03-11 02:03:52

Thank you for these insights. You know - I thought the same thing - isnt that why I have a pacemaker, what's the big deal?

According tot he MD the racing could be caused by a restriction making the heart work faster.

However, it was only once and I feel great and it probably happened before I had a pacemaker too!

I dont like this approach - seems like too much. the stress of them doing this is even more stress! :-) Better to leave well enough alone in this case.

thanks for your help and I am going to push back some on my MD.

You know you're wired when...

Your heart beats like a teenager in love.

Member Quotes

I still feel great today and can’t stop feeling excited at my "new" life. Modern day miracles through medicine and electronic devices are amazing!