Heart function and pacer dependency

I have a dual chamber pacemaker to treat my 3rd degree heart block.  I have had my pacemaker for 5 years and I  am pacer dependent. I had my yearly checkup today and all looked good and hopefully I have about 3 more years until replacement, however my Cardiologist ordered a echocardiogram to check on my heart function. He said because I am pacer dependent that it can affect how well my heart functions,.  He asked if I had swelling, issues laying flat ect.which I haven't noticed any symptoms but I had no idea how I bad felt before getting my pacemaker so not the best judgment.   Just curious if anyone else has been in the same situation.  My echocardiogram is in a couple of weeks and hopefully all is well!

 

2 Comments

Yearly.

by PacedNRunning - 2023-03-30 04:43:58

I get yearly echos due to 100% on demand pacing. I think my doctor said every 1-2 years but he prefers once a year echos. Very standard when you pace more than 40% in the lower lead. Pacing 40% can lead to pacing induced cardiomyopathy, which isn't seen often but does happen. It's good to catch it early so they can upgraded to a 3 lead CRT which will reverse the problem 

standard

by Tracey_E - 2023-03-30 08:53:54

It is normal to keep an eye on this. It's a low risk, but still good to check it every year or two so if it starts to happen it can be treated. My ep said if it doesn't happen with 5 years paced, he almost never sees it happen after that. 

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