declining pacemaker

I had triple bypass 2006, atrial fibrillation since then, prolonged QT, now very slow heart rate at times, and pacemaker advised.  I want to know this: if I decline the pacemaker, would I probebly die quietly either in my sleep or at some other time, perhaps suddenly.  I'm 78, life is difficult, I'd be quite happy to die.  Does anyone know the answer to this question, please

3 Comments

without pacing

by Tracey_E - 2019-01-24 22:30:05

Often the pacer gives us quality more than quantity, if that makes sense. Most likely declining the pacer means you would be more limited what you are able to do, be more likely to pass out, be more tired, be more dizzy.  In other words, not being paced is probably not going to shorten your life by much, if at all, just take away quality for the time you have left. 

I know that when my quality of life is gone, I'll no longer want to do anything to prolong it so I don't see anything wrong with your thinking. However, could it be depression talking? It might not hurt to talk to someone, be sure you are thinking clearly. 

Prolonged QT and slow heart rate.

by Selwyn - 2019-01-25 07:40:46

As Tracey_E has said, the issue is really about quality of life.

The length of prolongation of QT is important. Not all prolonged QT intervals need a pacemaker. The Long QT syndrome is associated with sudden death.

A slow heart rate will affect your quality of life- shortness of breath, feeling faint, blackouts etc.

Clearly, people die with a functioning pacemaker. A pacemaker will not prolong your life, it merely sorts out a cardiac arrhythmia that could be life threatening. 

Circumstances change.  Maybe having better health would increase your quality of life?  Should you be depressed, medical tratment can be extremely beneficial. I remember my Mother who became depressed following a hospital admission- she was negative about everything. She had an antidepressent ( Prozac) and even managed to get her patio ( backyard) redone at home. She eventually had a massive stroke at a friends 80th birthday party at the golf club- having enjoyed the meal! She had a pacemaker. 

Do you drive?

by LondonAndy - 2019-01-25 13:55:16

I am sorry to read your post, and understand your thinking.  But if you drive a car still, what if you pass out whilst at the wheel?  Not only the injuries for you, but for other people who might get hit.  If they're offering the pacemaker it is a pretty minor operation and, as others have said, could lead to an improvement in your quality of life.

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Hi, I am 47 and have had a pacemaker for 7 months and I’m doing great with it.