BIVENTRICULAR CARDIAC PACING

Hi Folks,

I'm new one here and am looking for some information.

My mum, now 71, was diagnosed with Stage One heart failure in June 2007. Inside of 12 months, she had progressed to stage 4 heart failure. The consultants were mystified until she was referred to a Prof. Frenneaux in Birmingham, UK. He diagnosed Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and attempted various drug treatments that failed on all counts.

Knowing he was part of a research team that was looking at biventricuIar pacing, I finally kicked mum and dad into touch into persuading him to give her the opportunity to have the procedure. She had gotten so weak and dizzy and S.o.B. that walking just a few yards caused her to pass out.

Astonishingly, inside of 10 days of having the procedure (they paid £10,000), and after an emergency admission (the Bisoprolol dose had not been changed and this had caused a dangerously low BP with her kidneys on the verge of collapse), she is back at home on 1/3 of the Bisoprolol dose, with warfarin being the only other drug, to prevent clotting, and she has improved dramatically.

Now, I AM aware that there are problems with microwaves. Are there any statistics out there regarding safe distances from mobile phones, microwave ovens and cell phone towers?

The latter concerns me in particular because they live on a small hill on which is located a 100 foot high Racal cell phone mast. They live around 300 yards, 1000 feet away from this mast, on a downhill slope. You can see the top of the mast from the house, especially in winter when the leaves are gone from the trees.

If anyone can provide me with any data I would be most grateful.

PS, as this form of Cardiomyopathy is inherited, as a female, I have a 55% chance of having it already :^(

3 Comments

FAQ's

by Tracey_E - 2008-11-05 03:11:31

I'm glad to hear she's doing so well! What a wonderful improvement.

There are answers to most of your questions and more in the FAQ section of the website, link on your left.

Microwaves are fine!!! So are cell phones and cell towers. Newer pm's are shielded and very few things will cause interference. Magnets are the main thing we need to stay away from. If you are concerned with a phone causing interference, keep it 6 inches away from the device. I've never had a problem with a cell phone, however.

Pacing

by GrandmaD - 2008-11-05 03:11:41

There are no longer any problems with microwaves to the best of my knowlege. As far as towers go, there should not be any problem from thier location. As far as mobile phones (cell phones?), do not carry in a pocket on the same side as the unit and use the opposite ear. A good general rule of thumb, is that if she feel sa differance, she should move away from the offending item. A good source of information is the manufacturer of the particular unit and most if not all will provide it willingly.

Best of health to you and your mom.
Deb

Cardio myopathy tests

by markjbaker - 2008-11-05 06:11:07

Hello from Essex, Shropshire Lass.

I have some cardio myopathy, this was found on a Cardiac MRI I had at the Brompton Hospital in London. If you want to be screened you can get your GP to refer you to a Heart clinic, such as Prof McKenna's at the London Heart Hospital. If you have it, its best detected early, I would think.

Good luck, Mark

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

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