Seeking Answers

Hello, I was told three years ago that I need a PM. I had been ill for about a year and when my HR dropped to 39 I went to the doctor. After many tests he said I need a PM, other than that you are one of my healthiest patients. Not wanting the PM I said not yet. My symptoms over the next year were up and down. Back to the doc, he said "just get the PM", I said I feel there is another problem and I want to rule everything else out first. More tests and still, other than the slow HR, I'm very healthy. To make a long story short it turned out I have Celiac Disease, and an allergy to soy and dairy. I have stopped all these foods and have been feeling much better though my HR has continued to drop into the 40s often. Lately, I've been very fatigued and feel it might be time to get the PM.

My questions are;
1) does everyone who gets a PM have to take meds after? (I do not do well on meds, I'm in the 1% who experiences side effects)
2) does anyone know if taking Phen-fen (weight loss drug of the 90s) can cause slow HR and low BP? (I am the only one in my family who does not have high BP and high cholesterol)

Thanks, any answers will be helpful.

7 Comments

No meds

by golden_snitch - 2013-08-17 06:08:23

Hi!

1) No. Those members here who are on meds have some other issues going on, for instance with high heart rates, high blood pressure or heart failure. But when you get a pacemaker to treat bradycardia (slow heartbeat) only, then you'll not have to take any meds.

2) I don't know that weight loss drug, nor any others. Firstly because I never had a problem with weight and secondly because I believe that drugs like that cause more harm than good. Not sure, if that could be an effect of the drug, but if it does cause an imbalance in your electrolyte metabolism, it could indeed affect your rhythm. About the BP I'm not sure. I have a rather low BP, too, and have always been told by numerous cardiologists that I need to make sure that I drink enough, at least 2.5 litres, better around 3 litres per day (mostly water, fruit juice mixed with water, teas).

Best wishes
Inga

+1 on the above

by goldenoldy - 2013-08-17 07:08:24

My pm is there to keep the HR from dropping too low, my meds are for fibrillation at the other end of the scale. Sounds like you wont need any.You will feel so much better with an upped heart rate.

meds

by ohiolaura - 2013-08-17 08:08:57

I am on no meds,and have had m PM for a year.I was on a couple of things short term,mainly for me it was a mental adjustment time,and it did help,but as I got to adjust to it all,got off it all,and am doing well,no restrictions whatsoever.
The phen drug I don't know about,sorry.If that was a appetitie suppressant isn't it like a amphetamine or speed thing? I cant recall if I really know what that was,so Im no help really.
If you have such a slow rate at times,and feel so bad,arent you tired of feeling that way?
I had no choice in the PM, I was told that was my only option,so with that I went.Im ok with it,otherwise I guess I would have had passing out problems or worse happen.
I had a bit shy of 3 weeks from 1st symptom to PM surgery,so I didn't deal with symptoms for long.Im good with it.
Don't be afraid,its really not that bad,get more info and advice if you need it.
Laura

no meds

by Reboot1212 - 2013-08-17 09:08:52

I have a PM for heart block. No meds needed. Safe to say nothing you did or didn't do caused the need for a PM. Listen to your doctor. Benefits of proper circulation far outweigh the inconvenience of a PM. Good luck and good health to you.

No Meds !

by IAN MC - 2013-08-17 10:08:27

1) I have a PM for Sick Sinus Syndrome and don't take any drugs. You only need drugs if you have other cardiac problems

2) As Sparrow says Fen -Phen was banned about 15 yrs ago ( I assume you stopped taking it then ? ) . It was found to damage heart valves and caused severe regurgitation ; I believe that these adverse effects never disappeared in some people. I don't think it caused slow HR and low BP but anything in life is possible !

Best of luck

Ian

pacemaker no meds

by martinb - 2013-08-18 12:08:15

Hi,
I passed out at work and got to the hospital
and over the course of 2 hours flat lined times. Bradycardia. In a few hours they scheduled a duel lead pacemaker. I had fainted before but they said I had low heart rate 40, said I probably forgot to eat breakfast and I had a stressful job and 3 kids.

Careful with weight loss drugs, so many are dangerous and not tested. Please check with your doctor. Two years ago I weighed 411 pounds. Today I weigh 295 lbs. still over weight, but did not use drugs!

First, soda, all soda, diet included doesn't matter, dump it., chips, the obvious junk. Then everything in moderation.
It took a long time to pack it on, it takes time to take it off.
My doctor is happy so am I my pacemaker works just fine.
Good luck! Dale

Thank you

by SlowBeats - 2013-08-19 03:08:47

Thank you all for your great comments, sounds like I won't need meds after getting a PM.

As far as the diet drug, I was at most only 50 lbs. overweight at the time. Doctors gave the drug out like it was candy. I lost the 50 lbs and stopped the drug as soon as the information came out that it could damage the heart. I was tested at the time (Echocardiogram) and was told I only had mild regurgitation consistant with my age. Now, I am only 10-15 lbs over where I would like my weight to be. I do not drink soda or diet soda, and due to my allergies (soy, dairy and I'm Celiac), I'm pretty much off all junk food. I eat mostly vegetables, fruit and some lean protein. I hike for exercise and as my doctor said I am one of his heathiest patients.

I do not take any drugs at this point in my life. As far as supplements I was taking a very small dose of Melatonin occasionally for sleep, which my doctor told me I could take. A few days ago I thought maybe melatonin could be the culprit in making my HR drop so I stopped it and I feel so good I am giddy, and my HR is back up to 60. Guess I'm off supplements too.

I do have one more question; when my HR was 39 I couldn't even think much less drive a car, those of you who have had a HR in the 20-30s how did you function? Seems you would have passed out.

Thanks again for all your comments, this is a great site.
Susan

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