Pacemaker Club: Should I get a pacemaker at 22

Should I get a pacemaker at 22

by chelsbells
2016-06-22 15:51:52
General Posting
1221 views
3 comments

I'm 22 years old and I have inappropriate sinus tachycardia. Several times a day my heart rate jumps to the 190s on it's own and it's at random times, like when I'm cooking dinner or watching tv. Sometimes I get really sick because of it and other times I don't notice it at all. With that though, my heart gets really fast every time I workout or go up a flight of stairs and I get light headed, which is unfortunate because I am studying to be a personal trainer. I'm wondering if getting a pacemaker this early is a good decision or if anyone has any insight. My doctor has suggested ablating my sinus node and putting in a pacemaker to beat for me instead.

3 Comments

Extreme

by gleesue - 2016-06-22 16:06:49

That sounds pretty extreme. Have you tried medication yet? Have they tried to cardiovert you? They can also do an electrical mapping of the heart and ablate the areas that may be conducting the electricity improperly. -

I've had four ablation, with number five scheduled for July 25.

I think I would look at other options before having your sinus node ablated.

Jerry

We have tried

by chelsbells - 2016-06-22 16:10:41

I should've included that. I don't tolerate medications because I have low blood pressure already and all of the ones they've put me on have caused me to faint more often without actually affecting my heart. I've been in twice for ablations but the only place it's firing from is my sinus node so there's no where to ablate except that. During the last one my doctor offered to go ahead and put in a pacemaker then and there but I didn't feel that was something I was ready for without researching more and talking to people.

...

by Sarbear - 2016-06-23 19:15:46

I can't speak for your specific case as mine is quite a bit different, but I had one put in this year at 25 (sinal node was causing my heart to stop sometimes and I was faining) and it has been fantastic for me. I haven't passed out since, and it honestly hasn't limited me in any way. I still row on a competetive team, run, and am generally very active. If they know about your lifestyle they can place it in a way that its less annoying for activities that you want to do. I don't know about the long term affects yet, but so far it has definitely been a positive change for me.