does your DR cared about your heart help me?

i tell him all i feel ,palpitations,rythm changes , flutter, he tells me my pacemaker only paces like 12% and only on lower chamber so what is this good or bad news? also he talks bout how i have enlarge heart and that it pumps good , yet he doesnt seem concern about the enlarge part all he gives me is CARTIA 120 mg once per day. yet everyday when i check my blood pressure is around 140/70 not always but i seen it ,,so is the medicine actualy working ? is this preventing more damage to my heart i hope people here give me there good opinion.


2 Comments

concern

by Tracey_E - 2016-10-11 10:31:37

If you don't have faith in your doctor, it's time to get a new one or a second opinion. However, based on your past posts plus this one, I'm going to say it sounds to me like you are asking for answers that aren't there. No one has a crystal ball to know the future, not even your doctor. All they can do is treat the problems they see and try to prevent possible future problems. Enlarged is only a problem if it affects function, which it sounds like yours does not so while it's of note, it's not necessarily of concern. There is a difference.

Worrying needlessly will shorten your life faster than a bad heart. You are doing what your doctor recommends to prevent more damage to your heart, that's all you can do. Have faith that it's the correct treatment. 

It's clear you have been struggling from other posts

by Grateful Heart - 2016-10-11 10:44:01

Breaking it down:   Pacing 12% in the lower chamber means your heart beats 88% on it's own and only in the bottom part of your heart.  The top part (atria) beats on it own (according to what you wrote above).

Just for a reference, I pace 100%....so don't worry, we all are paced as needed.  I've had mine for almost 8 years.

Your heart is somewhat enlarged but pumping well, so your doctor is watching that....my heart was enlarged and not pumping well (24%).  After a couple of years of being paced with a CRT-D, meds and diet, my heart returned to "normal" size. 

I don't know much about Cartia but speak to your doctor about trying a different med.  We all react differently to certain medications.

It's probably not a good idea to check your blood pressure every single day unless you have been instructed to do so.  Maybe once a week....worrying about it will only make it go up.

An adjustment or two of your device may be needed or a change in meds.

Cardiac Rehab is a wonderful tool (monitored exercise) that may help you. Speak to your doctor about it.

Trust your device, it is working for you....it may just need a few tweaks.  If you don't have faith in your doctor....get a 2nd opinion to ease your mind.

Grateful Heart  

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