Post pacemaker symptoms

Yikes!

by AgentX86 - 2023-06-07 00:44:50

4% PVCs? No wonder you don't feel well. I get a higher percentage (10-30%) but it's only for short time. PVCs suck.

I get PVCs when I'm coming down from exercise.  I walk 10mi/day.  When I stop, I'll have a lot of PVCs for ten minutes or so.  I'll also get them in the evening, too, but not every night.

post pacemaker symptoms, particularly palpitations

by Gemita - 2023-06-07 04:41:11

Chuck, glad you have joined us and welcome.

Palpitations, particularly atrial and ventricular ectopic beats following pacemaker implant are common and were a problem for me too.  I was already on beta blockers and anti arrhythmic meds at that time so there wasn’t too much more I could take to help.  I just told myself that after any trauma like an implant, it would take a few months for the heart to heal and to get used to pacing.  

I have had mixed success with beta blockers.  They have a calming effect and may help many of us (they are often used off label for anxiety for example). However, since my palpitations are always triggered by falling heart rates, particularly at night and during periods of inactivity, beta blockers can actually worsen my ectopic beats and frequent ectopic beats are often the triggers for my other arrhythmias.   Even so, I couldn’t be without my beta blocker (Bisoprolol) because it effectively treats my high heart rates when I go into Atrial Fibrillation.

How did I overcome my PVCs?  Well I haven’t completely.  Everyone gets them from time to time but when mine are frequent and prolonged, I try to stay calm, increase my water intake since dehydration can be a trigger, get more rest, eat healthily and regularly, avoid caffeine and most definitely alcohol (cannot drink alcohol any more since it triggers my arrhythmias).  I also try to stay warm, since my beta blocker will slow my circulation, causing cold extremities (cold hands and feet) and this can be a trigger for worsening ectopics too.

Remember to speak to your doctor too if ectopic beats like PVCs become troublesome.  Sometimes electrolyte abnormalities, a thyroid condition or other health conditions like an infection or anaemia can show up in the blood and might be the cause for your heart rhythm disturbances, so never ignore a new or worsening arrhythmia.  I note you mention "chills", so I am thinking infection although some beta blockers may cause chills and other symptoms, especially fatigue.

I allowed myself up to three months for healing to take place after pacemaker implant after which I was able to reduce some of my meds, since falling heart rates are most definite triggers for my arrhythmias.  My base rate is set at 70 bpm night and day so this helps to outpace the slowing, pausing ectopic beats which often cause longer periods of symptomatic arrhythmias.

Hope the above helps

Welcome aboard the ship of hope!

by Lavender - 2023-06-07 08:05:01

Hi Chuck,

PVCs were a big part of my initial recovery from the pacemaker implant surgery. I was complaining about them to my cardiologist but was told they'd calm down once the healing was further along. 
 

Of course, everyone is different, and this is just my experience. About seven months after surgery, I noticed that I was fine. I rarely have PVCs anymore and notice it after a busy day or when being more active. I'm not on any meds. 
 

You will get straightened out in time. Hope the beta blocker helps. How you feel while healing will improve. Very very important to drink more water than you're used to!  Also, I am more sensitive to getting overheated now too. You will learn how to manage.  

Heartfelt thanks!

by Chuck P - 2023-06-07 10:58:24

What a wonderful caring and informative group! I'm so glad I've found and joined this Club! The responses to my post have gone a long way in bringing me comfort of mind. Knowing you are not alone is invaluable. 

Godsend

by FG - 2023-06-07 13:00:39

Yes this group is great. A Godsend.