Symptoms

Hi.

My name is Roger and am a candidate for a pacemaker.
I currently take Atenolol for PVC's and have a slow pulse rate
currently in the forties. My major problem occurs when I am sleeping, when I will awake with extreme discomfort in my chest. My heart seems to function normally during the day.
My recent EKG and stress tests were negative apart from the PVC's. I am also able to exercise during the day without any difficulty, if it wasnt for the sleep problems I would be okay.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Regards

5 Comments

roger

by jessie - 2007-11-14 01:11:37

the thing is roger it doesn't sound good at night. you are vulnerable at night. i wonder have they said you definetely need one. i guess i would be asking the doc what happens if i don't get one? also do i definetely need one. take care jessie

I Meant....

by Vicki - 2007-11-14 06:11:10

Atenolol slows down your heart rate not heart.

Beta Blocker

by Vicki - 2007-11-14 06:11:26

Hi Roger,

Atenolol is a beta blocker and slows down the heart. That could be one reason why your pulse is low. Could you be having sypmtoms of reflux that wake you in the middle of the night?

Vicki

yes it does

by jessie - 2007-11-14 08:11:15

my husband is on it and before his surgery his heart rate went to 40 so yes it slows the heart rate. i still think he needs further discussion with his dr. jessie

Been there...

by dward - 2007-11-14 10:11:04

Your symtoms sounds like mine.
I too am in my forties.
All is fine EXCEPT when I sleep. I had a holter monitor test show PVCs by day and significant "pauses" while sleeping.
I am not PM dependant, but followed my Doctor's (and Cardiologist's) suggestion that I get one. Call me chicken but I don't dig having my heart "pause" for 3 or more seconds here and there while sleeping.

I don't take drugs for my PVC's at this time. I try to control them by diet (watch caffiene and alcohol intake).
So, you are not alone! It happens.
If you are indeed going to be taking a Beta blocker for your PVCs, I would consider the PM if your Doctor is recommending it. I can tell you that I sleep better now (no pun intended!)

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Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.