Could lead get damaged during Echo?

Went to cardiology and pacemaker technician in august all was well and have stll 3 yrs battery life.

Went for Echo in september and the technician the last bit of it pressed very hard on middle ribcage under breastbone. Since think  october notice a little more in november and trying to think was it is I notice. I feel unwell more tired annd get dizzy in shower and even sitting down.

I also was low on potassium so got 2 x 600 mg call pharmacy after reading Rx med folder that says side effect can be dizzyness. They say maybe lower intake see if it lessens.

We are supposed to call hospital but now with Corona not sure what to do. Could a lead have damaged? I have a CRT with 3 different brands of leads. My pm tech told me now they do just one brand for all. I got first CRT pm in august 2008 for severe heart failure and my 2nd pm is from october 2014. This is the Biotronik Eluna

RA lead St Jude Medical Tendril ST OPtim 1888TC

RV lead  Biotronik Setrox S 60

LV lead Medtronic Attain 4193-78 

Is there perhaps a longevity issue with leads? Or something else? Thanks for any information.

3 Comments

Hope this helps

by Pinkit94 - 2020-12-19 17:18:21

In general, echos don't cause lead problems, even when the technician presses hard. I am not a medical professional, however, I think the feeling of being more tired and dizziness can be attributed to low potassium. Low potassium (depending on how low it is) can cause dizziness, nausea, tiredness, and even abnormal heart rhythms. Oftentimes, certain heart failure medications can cause low potassium especially a diuretic, like Lasix (Furosemide). Take the potassium as prescribed, see how you do, also call the doctor if you are not feeling better after taking it. Best, Paula

Low K

by AgentX86 - 2020-12-19 21:43:24

I highly doubt your leads have been affected.  Low potassium will certainly cause all sorts of heart and even skeletal muscle problems.  The trace metals (sodium, potassium, and magnesium) are all needed, at the right concentrations (must between a high and low level for each), to keep the nervous system operating.  Without these, the nerves can't function and everything goes haywire.  The heart is probably the most sensitive.

Few more questions.

by Pacey - 2020-12-20 06:49:48

Does anyone know how many years lifespan leads have?

Those with older leads, how many years did they last?

If a technician reads this. Have their been issues with malfunctioning older leads? Recalls of leads?

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