pulse rate with pacemaker

I had a pacemaker since my heart attack in 2008, and now on number two. It is due to be replaced within the next six months. All in all things have gone relatively well until this past Oct 7th.

A massive heart failure greeted me on Sunday, Oct 7th. Was sent home, from Brampton Civic, on Oct 10th with meds (including furosemide), and ever since, my short term memory, balance and gait have all been challenged bigly. I've been back to see the GP four times in seven weeks, and the cardioligist once. My wife has recorded my systolic, diastolic, pulse and weight on a daily basis since Oct 10th on a Omron model HEM-741CAN.

My pulse has been recording at 55 with a sprinkle of 54's. None of the Dr.'s or hospital mentioned that this is a problem. Yet, before the massive heart failure, I had none of the symptons of someone with a 55 heart rate (if that's what it was at). Especially the short term memory thing. We continue to try and see a neurologist, so far no one taking new patients.

My perception of most doctors in Ontario (politically broken healthcare system), Canada is, sorry to say, not the highest. But I do understand it's a business more than a calling.

Does this sound like a pacemaker problem? and not a neurologist thing?

Thoughts are welcome.

3 Comments

You need medical advice but ………….

by IAN MC - 2018-11-19 15:10:48

I would be amazed if the problems you describe have anything whatsoever to do with your pacemaker . It seems that all of these problems started when you had heart failure ( and started taking new drugs. )

I don't know what you mean when you talk about the symptoms of someone with a 55 bpm heart-rate.

Certainly heart failure can cause a dramatic decrease in blood-flow and this could possibly lead to memory loss and confusion BUT you do need medical input to sort out the causes of your balance / gait problems.

Best of luck

Ian

Look around

by El Gordo - 2018-11-20 09:08:38

Sounds to me like your meds are causing the problems. If your doctor isn't providing a satisfactory response to your problems, find another one. My GP is awesome, but he didn't knock on my door; I had to find him, and that involved kissing the odd toad. Sounds like you have to pucker up!

My pacemaker was installed before I had an event, and within 2 weeks of diagnosis. It gave me my life back, and I didn't even know I was sick. My baseline is 60 bpm.

Respectfully, please don't denigrate our health care system. The cost of installing 2 pacemakers in you is more than you will ever pay in OHIP premiums. I live in Oshawa.

Good luck!

furosemide can cause memory issues....

by BOBTHOM - 2018-11-20 10:51:50

I have had issues with furosemide causing serious memory loss.  I refer to is as "my stupid medications" as they make me really stupid and I can't remember simple things.  I take it only in extreme instances which works for me as I presently do not retain much fluid.  Heart failure can cause a serious drop in heart rate but most pacemakers are set to a 40bpm mininmum before kicking in.  Your doctor may have to change some settings on it.  As for change in gate, I was started on amiodarone and it causes a slight problem with gait.  Sorry to tell you that all of your symptoms are fairly common for someone with heart failure and taking the associated medications.

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Yesterday I moved to a new place in my mind and realized how bad I felt 'before' and the difference my pacemaker has made.