Pacemaker Club: Left Ventricular Impediment

Left Ventricular Impediment

by Ariela
2017-11-01 12:52:33
Complications
1412 views
2 comments

I would apreciate some information, please. Three months ago I had a new pacemaker implanted due to problems with my left ventricle. I have now four leads: three are working and one has been abandoned.

Yesterday I received a call from my electrophysiologist office that they had an alarm during the night due to a left ventricular impediment. I have been symtomatic with nausea, racing heart, headache, diziness but I assumed it was my lupus acting up again and I disregarded it.

Could someone please explain what a left ventricular impediment is? What are the consequences? Could it be fixed and how? I am 100% dependent on my pacemaker.

Thank you so much.

Ariela

2 Comments

Impedance

by Cardiacdevices15 - 2017-11-01 14:34:57

Hello,

It sounds like the impedance of your LV lead either went too high or too low. Depending on whether the LV lead is still able to pace your left ventricle with a reasonable amount of energy, you may need to have nothing done. If the lead is not functioning, the discussion will need to be between you and your doctor whether you reposition (via surgery) the LV lead or not. Your RV lead is the one doing all the heavy lifting so to speak so you are still getting pacing. It's difficult to comment on your symptoms whether they could be lupus or your LV lead. Bottom line, go get it checked at your device clinic/EPs office.

lead impedance

by Tracey_E - 2017-11-02 13:02:04

That was my guess too, it's the lead not the ventricle. An impeded lead just means the signal isn't getting through as normal, this is the very first signal they get that a lead is starting to show some wear. When I had an impeded lead, they cranked it up and it kept on pacing for 5 more years. Battery life was shorter because it was using up more power, but it paced right up until it was replaced.