Bradycardia - Should I get a PM

Im 32 yrs old, have general good health. Diagnosed with Sinus Bradycardia a few months ago. I am symptomatic, extremely fatigued, dizziness/light headed, get tunnel vision when changing positions like sitting/laying to standing and sometimes vice versa (never have actually passed out), pounding chest. Have done an echocardiogram (normal), worn a holter monitor for 24 hrs on two occasions (same results HR gets into the 40s while sitting and mid to upper 30s while asleep). Currently wearing the event monitor for 30 days. Cardiologist wants to see how often it gets in the 40s while I'm awake. Doc said if I was 30 yrs older he would have already gone for a PM, he implied next step would be a PM. After reading a few people's stories on here I realize I don't have it near as bad as most people and I'm just torn on what to think about the possibilities of getting a PM. Some days are better than others, but the bad days are not fun. I feel like a zombie or like I've been drugged even still I feel like maybe a PM might be a little extreme...? Maybe...?  Wondering if anyone my age has been in a similar situation and gotten the PM...?

7 Comments

Get it

by AddieJ - 2016-06-21 23:41:22

Your symptoms won't get better and may get a lot worse.  You will likely do great.  Lots of people here are your age.  IMHO.  

similar issues

by SaraToga - 2016-06-22 00:35:19

Hi there!  I am 40 and have similar bradycardia symtoms to you, but I also have genetic long QT syndrome.  The treatment for the long QT is beta blockers which further slows the heart rate, which made me more symptomatic.  So it was recommended that I get a PM.  I was hesitant initially, but eventually I decided that I would feel more secure with the PM and I'm hoping to see relief of the dizziness, fatigue and near black-outs anytime I change position too quickly.  I'm scheduled for surgery on 7/8/16.  It still seems kinda crazy to think I'm getting a permanent addition to my body....

I don't know what the right answer is for you, but I just thought I would rather address it before I suffer any major issues, rather than waiting until things get worse.  Or God forbid I wake up dead one day!  Everything I've heard and read says that heart rate slows as we age, so with such a low rate at our relatively young ages pacemakers are probably in our futures regardless. Best of luck with your decision  :)

Sara

Don't Hesitate

by monkeyman - 2016-06-22 01:49:14

 with no symptoms whatsoever. Felt like I was experiencing a cold sweat. Lay down took a nap for 1 half hour woke up and was conversing with my wife when I passed out. No heartbeat, no breathing. Was out for about 30 seconds woke up when I heard the dial tone on the house phone. Wife was calling the paramedics when I woke up. You have all the symptoms of sinus bradycardia As I said I had no forewarning no symptoms whatsoever just passed out. Forget the monitoring it's time to get a pacemaker before it's too late I have mine and I am 59 years old. Healthy as a horse according to the cardiologists and doctors I've spoke with have never been to a hospital for any operation until getting my pacemaker. If it wasn't for the lump on my left upper chest, I wouldn't know that I even have it. Feel great and have as much energy as I had before I had the pacemaker. I do believe it is helping to prolong my life and monitor my heart rate. It's better than the alternative if you know what I'm talking about. It's time to act before the symptoms get worse. Don't wait.

Get it

by Good Dog - 2016-06-22 07:49:39

I couldn't agree more with the previous posts. I was 38 when I received my PM. That was 30 years ago. It is a safe surgery and living your life with a PM is no different than living your life without one. A PM can take away your symptoms and allow you to live a normal life. What is there to think about?

Your health

by Denise923 - 2016-06-24 01:28:00

Your health in more important. I'm 33 years young just got my pacemaker by accident in March 2016. I had a cardiac catheterization with ablation and I was that 1% that ended up with complete heart block . My doctor went over my procedure a dozon times to make since of what happened. I'm not completely comfortable yet but its coming along . my heart rate would speed up while sleeping before all of this and after the procedure it dropped to mid 30's I was on a temporary pacemaker for days before I got my PM and my doctor just didn't feel comfortable with my heart rate it never got past 50 with movement so the pm was for me. I can tell you that the worst part me was the recovery day one after that I was OK I got much need break from work and a lot of help. I wish you the best and hope everything goes well

Same here

by Czechmate - 2016-06-26 22:32:35

Your symptoms are an exact match to mine. I've been in and out with cardiologists for the past 5 years. Finally biting the bullet and getting it done. I know it won't get better and sitting around the rest of my life worrying about it is not a good plan. Even after cutting back on exercise has not helped. I'm a long distance runner at heart and pray I can get my endurance back afterward. Good luck to you.

Thank you

by Mval84 - 2016-06-27 12:04:52

Thanks everyone for the replies/advice, I really do appreciate it.  I still have two weeks left on my 30 day monitor...I'll give an update after my follow up.  Good luck to those who are getting their PM in the near future!

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