New Member

Hi all,

New here and also new to pacemakers. I just got my Medtronic SureScan implanted on December 13th (FRIDAY the 13th !). First checkup since the implant is due today. There's a ton of stuff to learn about these things ! I needed one because my heart rate went down to 24 bpm a few times at home and I had to be airlifted to the local hospital. I'll be assaulting the cardiologist with a ton of questions, and I'm sure I'll have a few to post here as well. One thing that has me VERY concerned is, my blood pressure is through the roof (highest was 213/145), and historically I've never had an issue with high BP. Is that something that is typical with pacemakers ? Anyway, glad this board is here !

5 Comments

call!

by Tracey_E - 2014-01-07 05:01:17

Your bp is dangerously high, you need to get to the ER or at the very least call.

BP is generally not affected by the pm. All the pm does is cause beats when your heart is too slow.

Good Lesson

by sarroj - 2014-01-08 05:01:32

I learned a very valuable lesson yesterday: When buying a blood pressure machine, don't spend as little as possible and expect an accurate reading. Went to the doctor's office with my cheap-o BP machine in hand. He took my BP with his machine - 153/82. Then I took it with mine: 233/110 !! Amazing that BP machines are allowed to be sold like that, with that level of inaccuracy.

whew!

by Tracey_E - 2014-01-08 06:01:34

Better the machine to be that far off than your bp to be that high!

Amen to that ! Thanks..

by sarroj - 2014-01-08 07:01:11

FYI, this may help others in a similar situation: My cardiologist said that the brand name OMRON makes the most accurate BP machines at reasonable prices. He also said that on the arm is better than the on the wrist ones (as my cheapo was). I got an OMRON at Walmart for $39.00.

3 Months

by valley01 - 2014-01-08 09:01:20

I struggle with high blood pressure but it was under control with medication before my PM implant. After the implant it went up to 200/100 and it took 3 months and 2 added medications to get it back down. You definitely need to call your doctor and be seen asap!

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Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.