How long does it take for Symptoms to improve

Hi good people, this site is so informative and helpful. So looking for some insights for my Husband please.

He had his Pacemaker upgraded on Thursday from a two lead to a three lead (CRT-P) due to his EF dropping from 55 to 40 in the space of 6 month. This was due RV pacing 80% causing dyssincrony.  I wondered how long it took other to see some benefit from this procedure, did it help with th EF and symptoms? I would love to hear other people's experience of this. John has become very short of breath just walking 50 yards so is hoping for improvement. Thank you. 


3 Comments

It's a well established therapy

by crustyg - 2019-10-12 17:12:38

I've seen figures suggesting 80% of patients experience real benefit from CRT, and I think that the usual end-point for the studies was %EF - although clinical improvement is the one that really matters.

What I don't have a handle on (need to do more reading) is the time-scale. Weeks to months, I *think*.  But at least the deterioration should now have been stopped.

Lots of CRT patients contribute here.

Just got to be patient I guess

by Boneysjoint - 2019-10-12 20:12:55

 That is encouraging news, thank you. I have been reading about heart failure and have kind of scared myself. Fortunately my Husband is very positive and doesn't worry, just takes it in his stride...he has had so many things going on with his health the last couple of years that I seem to go into panic mode (well inwardly anyway) very quickly now. Thank you for your response.

Yes, be patient

by AgentX86 - 2019-10-12 23:09:13

I have a CRT premaker but my EP specified it before I had (could have) trouble with pacemaker induced cardiomyopathy (my EF is 55-60%).  It may be standard for AV ablation patients because we already have AV dyssynchrony.  L/R dyssynchrony wouldn't be good.

Your husband may also be showing you a stiff upper lip.  I try not to telegraph my problems to my wife because it'll do nothing but cause worry.  There's nothing I can do and all she can do is worry, which only make me feel worse. I do use her, when appropriate, to fight battles for me.  She plays a great witch on wheels, so I can try to relax (hospital administrators are always screwing something up). You sound just like her.  ;-) 

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

Member Quotes

But I think it will make me feel a lot better. My stamina to walk is already better, even right after surgery. They had me walk all around the floor before they would release me. I did so without being exhausted and winded the way I had been.