Sick sinus syndrome

Hello, I'm new to this site..  I would appreciate people's views on my dilemma!  30 years ago I joined a gym, and was told I should see my doctor as my pulse was very slow.  I have been having check ups every year, and my consultant rang me this year to say it's very borderline, but half the team think I should have a pacemaker fitted and half think I should wait until I have some symptoms!  I'm 63 years old and feel very well.  I have never had any symptoms! I have a dog I walk I play with my four grandchildren and live a full and happy life.  My GP who I've had for years said if you don't want one don't have one!  My heart rate only drops in the middle of the night according to my holster monitor I wear for 24 hours each year.  My lovely consultant says she worries I might just faint in a dangerous situation, but she also says that might never happen.  I feel very confused.  Has anyone out there had this dilemma?  

6 Comments

Welcome to the club

by crustyg - 2020-01-20 11:33:25

You don't need a PM if your symptoms don't warrant it.  As long as you feel fit to drive and don't have fainting episodes you're ok.

If you can live your life and do what *you* want to do without feeling faint then you're fine and you don't need a PM.

Having a low heart rate isn't, just by itself, a justification for a PM.  If you have symptoms of low blood pressure (feeling dizzy on standing, having to grab the bannister rail to avoid fainting at the top of the stairs etc.) then you would benefit from one.

SSS is very common amongst the folk here: almost all of us were delighted to have normal function restored with our little boxes, but that's because we had symptoms.

Don't let anyone bully you into having a PM against your better judgement!

Best wishes.

SSS

by AgentX86 - 2020-01-20 11:45:18

You don't say exactly what the numbers are but if your 24hr Holter monitor is really borderline, I'd want a longer test (a week, at least).  You may have intermittent pauses and a day may not be enough to catch them.  Night time is ususally when SSS shows it's ugly head but if it's happening at night, there is no reason it can't happen during the day at some point.  A low rate or pauses (I assume they didn't see them) can cause syncope, which can be deadly serious (passing out while driving or at the top of a flight of stairs isn't recomended).

The bottom line is how slow does your heart go and are there pauses.  It's all a matter of degree.  If you're borderline, you might just want to wait but just know that it doesn't get better.  A pacemaker is in your future.  At the minimum, I'd increase the frequency of your checkups.  The consequences are severe and you want to keep a closer eye on it.

Monitor your fatigue and HR

by Lexitoo - 2020-01-20 12:57:30

I have had a slow hr for 40 years, with no problems, though I developed afib two years ago ( likely a genetic thing as I have three older sibs with afib). Two weeks ago I had a pacemaker installed after wearing a monitor for one week which showed, in addition to more afib, a heart pause in the night. Time to pay attention!  I would say you should perhaps have a more frequent monitor, and/or a longer monitor. Until then just watch your own rate...my apple watch was set to tell me when I fell too low for ten minutes, but I also felt the extreme fatigue, lately. BTW I will be 80 in July.  

low oxygen

by marylandpm - 2020-01-20 14:54:08

    Keep in mine that if your brain is low on oxygen you are not going to be thinking too clearly. You will not be at your regular sharpest thinking self. I did not faint but I was not thinking to clearly.

3year period

by Kimmiee2 - 2020-01-20 20:10:30

For the last 3 years I complained about feeling lightheaded and had two stress tests and the holter for 24 hour my primary put me on channel blocker which made me worse and stopped taking after 5 days after that bpm hovered in 30's so they said pm needed for fear I could faint and get hurt so I had it put in 8 months really don't feel better probably more anxiety than anything 

get second opinion to be safe....

good luck 

Thank you.

by Puggy - 2020-01-21 06:24:55

Thank you everyone.  I have found your comments really helpful, and feel at this point that I'm going to see my consultant to discuss all my options. 

You know you're wired when...

You are always wired and full of energy.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!