Bradycardia and atenolol

After a routine check up revealed Afib, I saw a cardiologist who put me on Atenolol to slow the heart 50mgs. A week later I was having dizzy spells, went in to emergency at Brigham and Women's where it was confirmed that my heart beat was slowing down to as low as 7 beats per minute at times.The Dr. recommended a pacemaker and I reluctantly agreed. Now I am starting to wonder, if I had gone off the atenolol long enough, would the bradycardia have stopped. In other words was the pacemaker necessary? Jim
ps yes I know this is my 3rd posting,obviously I'm anxious about all this

2 Comments

Similar situation

by Suze - 2007-05-21 01:05:36

I had a similar situation. A-Fib was getting worse after my lung surgery and the meds (flecainide and toprol) were totally eliminating my symptoms. But my borderline bradycardia was made much worse. My resting heartrate was in the 20's. On the 3rd day after surgery -still in ICU--they recommended a pacemaker. Many doctors and techs (including two cardiologists) explained things thoroughly. But the decision to go ahead was really mine. It probably helped that I knew two people in my life with pacemakers. A friend and an aunt. They both lived til their nineties and were active right up to the end. The friend lived with hers for more than thirty years!

Now it's ten months after my pacer implant and all I can say is I feel better than I have in over ten years! For me it was definitely the right decision. I have more stamina and energy.

Please don't spend too much time second guessing yourself. The way I look at it, the choice is made, so let's get on with life! I hope my experience will help you, even a little.

Hang in there and stay positive....
Suze

Did I Need A PM?

by SMITTY - 2007-05-21 11:05:00

Jim,

My first impulse is to say the pacemaker may not have been necessary, based on what you tell us that led the doctors to the conclusion that you needed one. But I also know that I don’t know all the things that doctor have on which to base the decision that you needed a PM. I am a little puzzled by the statement “The Dr. recommended a pacemaker.” It sounds as you were truly given a choice as to whether or not to get a PM. I always think of doctors as being more assertive than with you being given the choice. I can see why you may have doubts.

Be all of that as it may, I say don’t be critical of your self for your decision to agree to getting a PM. After all, you were in the hands of the experts and I don’t think any of us ever expect a doctor to recommend something that we do not need.

As for your question about being off the atenolol long enough would the bradycardia have stopped? I think the answer to that is yes. But the next question is would the A-fib have returned without the atenolol? Of course I can’t answer my question, but I would say there is always the probability it would have returned.

I would suggest that you think of yourself as being caught between that well known rock and a hard place. If you don’t take the atenolol you may have A-fib which is not only debilitating, it can be downright dangerous. So you take the atenolol to prevent that and it drives your heart rate too low. To overcome that you got a pacemaker. Fortunately, pacemakers seldom have any side effects (note I said seldom, not always) and they are low maintenance items. If yours has to work full time a replacement will be necessary in 5 to 8 years. If it just works occasionally, like mine, the expected replacement time will be at least 10 to 12 years. Other than am occasionaly checkup, the PM very seldom requires any other atention.

To wrap this up, accept the fact you have a pacemaker to correct a problem that is the result of having to correct a heart problem that developed. Above all don’t be trying to second guess yourself everyday. Just be thankful that we have the little Timex that will keep our ticker operating at close to the optimum rate.

Please keep us up dated on your progress as we all learn from the experiences of others.

I wish you the best,

Smitty

You know you're wired when...

You have a maintenance schedule just like your car.

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