Checkup and Settings

I just had my pacemaker checked remotely. The title said "abnormal." Then I downloaded the 2 tests. I'm 84 years old, and I have total heart block. Two months ago I had a heart attack with 90% blockage in one artery. The others were clear. My problem:

1. i contacted the physician but I doubt I'll hearing from anyone in their office in the near future.

2. I cannot read the test and I can't tell what is abnormal.

3. My question: Is it normal to be "abnormal" in these test? Should I be worried? Should I contact an online electrophysiologist and try to send him/her my test?

thank you so much!

Andrea

3 Comments

Hi!!

by Lavender - 2024-01-02 21:36:43

I'm sure if there is anything amiss, your doctor would call you. That's the whole point of having a home monitor. I know if it were me, I'd call whoever ordered the monitor for you-my cardiologist oversees mine. You could also call the monitor company for an explanation of what was abnormal. Perhaps the transmission itself didn't go through correctly. 

Monitoring report

by Gemita - 2024-01-03 05:04:12

Andrea, can you confirm which “title” said abnormal and which two tests you downloaded, so that we know what you are referring to?

As Lavender says if your monitored results showed a serious event or problem, you should have been contacted.  However I can understand your concerns because of your history of a heart attack and coronary artery disease.  

I would therefore suggest that you contact your device clinic for an explanation of the results?  If you are having any new or unusual symptoms, I would also take the opportunity of mentioning this and asking to be seen for some checks.  

Some results may come back as “abnormal”.  For example some of my stored pacemaker internal electrocardiograms (ECGs) may report as “abnormal” and require a follow up with an external, surface ECG to confirm the rhythm disturbance present and the likely cause, for example electrolyte disturbances.  So yes, it can be normal to see “abnormal” on test results.  What is important is that they investigate what is causing these abnormal results to decide whether any action needs to be taken.

Otherwise I hope you are doing well?  Did you need any treatment, perhaps a stent, for your 90% blocked artery following your heart attack?

Monitoring

by piglet22 - 2024-01-03 06:04:39

What isn't clear is whether or not your device is actively monitored i.e in automatic connection with the base unit and through to the pacing hub or if you have to initiate the download on request.

I'm guessing it's the first.

Something has been flagged up and ideally your team should be getting back to you with an explanation.

Don't leave it too long, a few days maximum to contact them if you don't hear anything.

How frustrating to get such a generalized report as "abnormal".

Good luck 

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I have an ICD which is both a pacer/defib. I have no problems with mine and it has saved my life.