Do I need a pacemaker?

I guess I may have joined the club prematurely, because I don't have a pacemaker yet and I'm not sure if I will end up getting one in the end. I just suspect that I may need one based on what's happened in the last few weeks... On the 5th of September I had a stress test on the treadmill and almost fainted after I got off and stood for a few seconds. My heart rate dropped very quickly from around 140 bpm to 70, and after the test he recommended i have a tilt test and if that was positive, an EP study...

On Friday 13 September I had a tilt test that was hugely positive, I fainted very quickly and my heart paused for about 4 seconds. I had an EP test straight afterwards, but my cardiologist did not say too much after he visited me in the ward. Apart from that he did record some abnormalities in the heart. He also remarked that he isolated the vagus nerve but that it made no difference, there were still irregularities in heart rate rate. I'm no expert so I'm not too sure what he is or isn't trying to say...

He also said is that I need to have a holter monitor fitted and to wear it for 24 hours. I need to go for a run wearing it. I will get it this Tuesday.

I feel like I'm a little in the dark, and I'm frustrated because I really want the issues resolved in the best possible way.

I am a runner and I've been running for 22 years and I'm happy to get a PM if I need to.

Any thoughts would be most welcome.

Regards,
Drew

5 Comments

Sounds like it would help

by Tracey_E - 2013-09-15 07:09:12

A pm can stop the sudden drops after working out as well as the pauses. That alone is reason enough to warrant a pm. Its nice that theyre being thorough, but Imo the holter is unnecessary. It will tell them how low your heart rate gets and how often you pause, but really, it doesn't matter. The fix for all of it is a pm.

Look up vasovagal syncopy, that's my not-a-professional diagnosis.

Hi TraceyE

by Gijima89 - 2013-09-16 04:09:48

Thanks for your response,

I agree with you. I think that I probably need a pacemaker... But I will go with the flow and have the holter monitor fitted tomorrow and see where I go from there...

I have looked up vasovagal syncopy, and it rather looks a lot like what I have but I will see what my Cardiologist says...

wonder about ttt

by ladybug55 - 2013-09-18 10:09:54

I have dysautonomia. I wonder what your blood pressure is doing when your heartrate is dropping-primarily on the tilt table and when you are almost passing out. After many meds. and treatments for my dysautonomia - and bradycardia I am getting an Evia BIOTRONIK pacemaker on 10/9 as my heart rate won't stay up. This pacer responds to both blood pressure and heart rate and is good for those with autonomic nervous system problem as such as myself. My bloop pressure also drops upon standing,
Wondering if you may also have these problems - which you should know from TTT results. I don't know a lot about pacemakers as I am knew to this all but wanted to share what I know. Best of luck to you.

Good luck to you too Ladybug

by Gijima89 - 2013-09-19 03:09:06

Hi Ladybug,

Good luck to you as well...

Drew

BP during TTT

by Gijima89 - 2013-09-19 03:09:26

Hi Ladybug,

I think my BP was okay at the beginning of the ttt. I felt a little lightheaded initially but I didn't feel faint. That's when the doc decided to inject me with something (can't recall the name, I think it started with an 'i') and that's when my HR picked up and that's when I fainted. Then all I remember is waking up when the nurse tried to rouse me...
Thanks for the good luck wishes...

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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