New Adventure
Hello all, I think I am getting ready to join your club! I was hospitalized this December for light headedness and heart rate at 47. Event monitor picked up heart rate in the 30's at night, I did well on the treadmill test and my echo, accordiing to my cardiologist was good. Based on this, it was decided to hold off the pacemaker. But as of the last few days, my heart rate has been in the low 50's and upper 40's but now Im having chest pain, and feel short of breath even though my 02 is at 97%.
My question, can some tests (like treadmill) be good, while others (event monitor) show concern and what is the deciding factor that doctors use to place a pacemaker.
I am going for a second opinion this week.
8 Comments
Coping
by Max's Mom - 2019-03-19 08:41:46
thank you agent X86 that was a great analogy I can wrap my head around !
:)
by pacergirl - 2019-03-19 10:29:55
You will be most welcome here. There are many very nice, kind people and they have a lot of advise and sometimes funny stories. Mostly they are very supportive.
BTW
by AgentX86 - 2019-03-19 16:12:37
By the way, your heart rate, by itself, isn't very concerning. I was in the 40s and 50s, with some 30s recorded at night, for years without any problems. What's more concerning is how you feel. Light headed feeling isn't unusual either (I get it all the time).
On the other hand, chest pains and shortness of breath aren't to be trifled with. It's your body screaming for more oxygen. If you ever feel like you're going to pass out, make yourself safe (if driving, stop immediately) by sitting somewhere-anywhere. When it passes, seek medical attention. Unconscious falls can deadly serious. Your natural reflex to protect your head won't work, leaving you open to serious brain damage from an impact with something hard.
Tilt Table test
by zawodniak2 - 2019-03-19 19:21:22
A tilt table test might add some information to your diagnosis. This is a non-invasive, out-patient test which is relatively quick. It is another type of test which checks for heart rhythm irregularities.
Rodgrt
Wow
by Max's Mom - 2019-03-19 23:55:22
just one day at this site and I already feel the care and empathy from you guys and I am learning so much ! Thank you I feel better informed and truly will try to make a decision that will help me -
New to all this
by jani920 - 2019-03-23 00:46:38
Wow, who knew? My heart was stopping, complete heart block. Passed out twice on Sunday, received pacemaker on Tuesday. Holter monitor was normal 2 months ago after passing out. This is such a misunderstood phenomenon, people ask why I didn’t get a stent first. I am more educated now, learning more everyday. People don’t realize the amazing electrical system in our hearts. I’m still in shock, it happened so fast. I’m thankful, I should never block again with my new tool. My doctor called me Iron Woman. (I’m blond, went right over my head). My hubby explained..... I feel some relief just writing this comment. I think I’m going to be OK
Happy
by Max's Mom - 2019-03-23 01:23:17
so happy you’re on the mend ! I am truly in appreciation and respectful of the electrical system that sustains our heart as well ❤️Swift recovery to you !
You know you're wired when...
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Member Quotes
I have an ICD which is both a pacer/defib. I have no problems with mine and it has saved my life.
Different tests
by AgentX86 - 2019-03-19 08:23:11
Sure, you passed your English test with flying colors but you're struggling with your math. The treadmill and echocardiogram is used primarily to test for structural problems (plumbing) of the heart. It seems that you're in good shape there.
EKGs and event monitors are used to test for electrical problems in the heart. Here, you seem to be having some problems. A second opinion is a very good idea but you're probably right. A pacemaker is likely in your future. Not a big deal. Your heart is sound. It just needs a little help. If you do need one, do it sooner rather than later. You really don't want things to get worse.