Pacemaker Club: Will a pacemaker help or hurt?

Will a pacemaker help or hurt?

by Shandloff
2017-06-11 00:46:00
General Posting
1003 views
3 comments

I'm a fairly active single, white male, 67 years old. Diagnosed with DVT (blood clots) in both legs at age 65 (Factor V Leiden) and experienced atrial fibrillation at age 66. Baseline ejection fraction is in the 40's (family history? birth defect? virus? it's just always been there near as my doctor can determine based upon an irregular EKG that I've had since I've had EKG). EF was in the 20's during atrial fibrillation. Current EF is in the 30's after 6 months of treatment with various medicines. Currently taking Xarelto, Amioderone, Entresto, and Coreg

My question to the group is whether a pacemaker/defibrillator is likely to improve or worsen heart strength? I'm able to bike and ski even with the EF as it is.

3 Comments

safety

by Tracey_E - 2017-06-11 07:52:26

If you are in afib and your ef is 20, you are at risk for a stroke or your heart stopping. It's not just about quality of life, it's also about safety.

pacing and heart ejection fractions

by Selwyn - 2017-06-11 13:39:26

<35% ejection fraction and on max. medical treatment- consider biventricular pacing .

Plenty of information as to the UK guidelines at :

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta120/documents/heart-failure-biventricular-pacing-final-appraisal-determination3

We can all bike and ski. The question is whether you will be still be around to do that in 12 months time?

Best wishes,

Selwyn

biventricular pacing

by dwelch - 2017-06-12 18:13:51

Because I have been on two lead pacers for 30 years, my EF dropped down into the 30s, something we expected and it eventually happened. Am a handful of weeks into my first biventrical pacer, I assume that is something they would try with you and perhaps add the defibrulator on top of that, maybe not, a stress test may help them decide that.

This is more about safety than anything else. From what you are saying if they think you should have one, do it. Maybe it will reverse your EF and you will get a little more strength/etc maybe it wont, but it should extend your life.