my Dad and hi pacemaker

Hi,e
My dad is 83 has a pacemaker his 2nd one with no problems really. He has been afib a few times but converts back on his own. Now tonight he is in it again and won't call his doctor. He has an appt on Tuesday to get a regular echo check up. He has a 18 hole golf game on Monday. His BP is normally 120/70 but has dropped to 90/60. Aren't pacemakers supposed to keep his BP at that same number? Worried daughter here he falls asleep alot in his chair. Thanks, Tam

3 Comments

TY Don

by t333lou - 2013-10-12 08:10:36

Thanks Don,
Yes, I agree he needs to call his doctor tonight but won't. Maybe I can get my Mom to call tomorrow. He has a PM due to the fact that he has had open heart 1 vein replaced then his heart rate was down to 30 at one point. HE is a young 83 and does golf with cart but can he do it on Monday I doubt it too. His pulse delays like every third beat then can be really irregular at times when he lets me take it I just wish he would call but I know he doesnt want to go to ER. Thanks, Tam

THe answer is...

by donr - 2013-10-12 08:10:44

...NO - a great big, resounding NO!

All a PM does is try to keep his heart rate (HR) within the bounds of his settings for upper & lower limit. It has NO way of measuring BP.

If his BP is still at 90/60, he will not make 18 holes w/o passing out in a golf cart - at best.

You did NOT tell us WHY he has the PM. It is certtainly not to control A-Fib, they just won't help that much, especially if it was always intermittent. But this sounds like it is camping out in your Dad in his favorite chair. There are some special cases where a PM can help w/ A-Fib, but I am not up on them & figured you needed some kind of answer tonight.

I'll tell you that I admire your Dad if he can play 18 holes of golf - even riding in a cart.

Sounds like he may need a cardioversion - he needs something other than golf on Monday - perhaps he needs it tonight or tomorrow via the ER? That's a decision YOU have to make. Perhaps you should call the Cardio & explain the circumstances to him. God luck!

Don

More guessing at diagnosis

by donr - 2013-10-12 09:10:19

Tam: Your Dad is in a situation where he needs to see his cardio.

What you describe - beat delaying every third beat sounds like an arrhythmia called Trigeminy. It consists of a premature Ventricular contraction every third beat. Since the ventricles contract early, they are not full so he gets a weak beat - which you are obviously sensing - followed by a stronger beat. I had that along w/ its cousin, Bigeminy where every second beat is delayed. Both of them can make you drowsy. Also can make you have low BP, but that is not a guarantee.

These arrhythmias are not dangerous, but can lead to trouble if they become too numerous for a long time. Couple all his problems together & he is in no shape for golf Monday - he should be playing games w/ his cardio..

You really should call his Dr. I realize it is tough - but you are his DAUGHTER. You can get away w/ things others cannot. I know - I have two of them & they can pretty much ruile the roost when it's necessary.

Good luck w/ him.

Don

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