Most Recent Messages in Conditions, Meds & Tests

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Sensitivity to paceing

From time to time I feel a pressure in my chest near my throat. This feeling doesn't last long and I am wondering am I feeling the pacemaker pacing? Anyone else have similar feelings with,the pacemaker?

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Left Ventrical Ejection Fraction

Had a post-Pacemake MRI yesterday--one more attempt to try to figure out why I have a blockage that required a pacemaker. No answers on that front.

But, my left ventrical EF was 45%, less than ideal. During the testing before my ultrasound, they estimated EF to be 60%. I know the ultrasound is less accurate, but anyone have experience with readings from the MRI?

Also curious whether the pacemaker can effect EF. My pacemaker is set to a low of 60, my resting pulse used to be in the...

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carotid arteries

Saw the vascular specialist today for the last time. Been with him since 2014.  He said carotids should  not have anymore plague in them.   Both are now at 45%.   Which is quite good. 

Told him since i see the cardiogist once a year now.  She can make that determination if i need anymore ultrasounds on them.  Had been seeing him every two years.  He wanted every 5 years,  His office staff said every 2 years so i would stay in the sy...

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Covid vaccine

I'm getting my first Covid vacine on Friday, a little anxious because of bradycardia and pacemaker. Has anyone had Pfizer shot with pacemaker? Any side effects? 

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Vaccine for Covid

After my initial Covid vaccine and then second shot, I had to have a pacemaker implanted!  I was 76 and very healthy.  Fainted and had implant.  Another friend, same age, had the same experience.  Several people began having atrial fibrillation following the vaccine.  I have read of the vaccine affecting the heart muscle but no doctors take it seriously.  I am concerned about the booster and wondering if the vaccine could cause my heart weakness??  

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Echocardiogram

Have a dual chamber pacemaker since 2018 for AV block. Recently had an echo. Found slight thickening of aortic valve and ejection fraction in low 50's. Has anyone had an echo with similar results? Thanks!

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have you ever had a problem when the barometer pressure drops from rain storms

Hi am wondering if you have ever felt strange when there is a storm brewing.  Such as we have in Fl. a topical  storm this weekend.  When the barometric  pressure  drops.  I have been feeling an unease.  It is hard to explain.

  Is this from the pacemaker or something else.?  Have been drinking more water.  Seem to be more tired and not sleeping well this weekend.

new to pace

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Genetic testing for heart conduction

Hi 

Today I had a blood sample taken and they plan to check if I have certain faulty genes that were the cause ofy heart block.

Obviously the reason for this is to check if my daughters or sisters will need testing for the same defect.

Anyone else had this done?

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Afib

I have another question on my recent AFIB.   Since my HR was 81-82 most days, up from 70, I told my EP and she adjusted the PM somehow so now the HR is decreasing, at 74 now.  What I don't understand is the PM can only keep HR from dropping why has adjusting it lowered the HR?  I know I shoud ask the Dr. but it is quite complicated getting answers.  The pacing % has changed from 80/40 to 35/65% ( which is when the Dr. told me I now had AFIB).  Probably u...

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Afib

I have had my pacemaker for 2 years now and no problems.  My heart rate started to increase last month from 70 to 80HR.  The Dr. said I have AFib now.  He  hasn't reccomended any changes to my meds,  Just come back in 6 months for device check, Echocardiogram and Dr. visit.  Does any  else have this problem?  Evidently AFib is here to stay.  I am 81 so thats on the downhill slide!!  I take good care of myself, good weight, exercise daily a...

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Medication

Hello everyone , I had my pacemaker implanted in April this year,I was on Bisoprolol but had side effects ,recently changed to Sotolol 80mg twice a day but experiencing excessive sweating that is so embarrassing just wondering if anyone else was experiencing this. This week I had to have an Angiogram because of breathlessness the result showed there wasn't any blockages or narrowing that could have been causing the breathlessness. Now have to wait to see the next step to finding the...

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Pacemaker and beta blockers

Hi everyone I decided to ask this question because a issue popped up my heart was going very fast to the point my resting heart rate was 170 beets per minute. At my last pacemaker check they put me on a temporary setting  ( its making me very tired) and they are going to put me on beta blocker next  week and hopefully turn my pacemaker to the normal mode   .  So has anyone had experienced with this type of problem.

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Vasovagal Syncope

Hello Everyone,

Does anyone have a pacemaker for vasovagal syncope?

My cardiologist informed me that the reason for my pacemaker is due to a 20 second heart pause during my tilt table test and episodes of vasovagal syncope at home. At this time time we are not sure what has been causing these symptoms.

What COULD cause these symptoms?

Are there other options for treatment besides a pacemaker?

Should I get a second opinion?

Thoughts?...

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stress test reults

Just heard back from the Cardiolgist's nurse.  That the medically induced stress test showed that i am "low risk for coronary disease". 

Will have an in-office  pacemaker check in mid August will tell her how the heart is beating.

new to pace

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whooshes

I had wondered about those whooshes, i could get them very occasionaly mostly when sitting in front of the computer.  Feels like a pool of blood rushing in my head just a few sceonds .  When i was at the Vascular Dr. the other day asked him.  He said hypertenion might be the cause.

I also would get gas balls that made me feel like the end was near.  Now i take a couple of Beano's before and after i eat.  That seems to have been working for me.

<...

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stress test after pain

Noticed yesterday after taking off the wrap where the needle was inserted was sore.  This morning noticed still sore and swollen.  On right arm near the elbow.  Today 7/28,2021 noticed the bruise is now just a u shaped  mark around the outer rim of the bruise.

Of course with all that caffeine yesterday hard time  falling asleep.  Not used to drinking caffinated products.

  Did not add to previous comment as thought you might not read it. If...

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stress test taken

 Just a brief update took stress test this morning, was told should hear back  from the dr. in about a week  with the results.   Hard parts for me was keeping my arms above my head for the first look and see for 13 minutes and the second  for 10 minutes.  After they put the radioactive chemical in my arm had to drink something with caffeine in. Decided  on green tea.  As i do not drink anything with caffeine.    Then home to fin...

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Anyone on here with an auto-immune disease?

Hi,

I am trying to reach out to anyone on here with a pacemaker who may also have an autoimmune disease and also are using disease modifiying drugs such as Methotrexate or biologics such as Adalimumab?

I know it's a long shot but thought I would ask.

Thanks

John

 

 

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stress test

Was wondering why the Dr. requested a stress test?  Only thing she, said it has been two years since the last one.  What will it show?

  Also keeping a record of when  I think maybe  the fast heart beats  are as  have an in office Pacemaker check  Aug. 20,2021.  Which is about 8 weeks after the remote transmission. Which is the 2 year anniversary of  the implant.

new to pace

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ICD/PM and fast rates

I don't know if anybody can guide me with information, ideas, questions.  I have been having worsening fast rates when I move around, such as getting up and walking--just to get a drink of water, and now even turning over in bed.  At my appt this past week my EP called Medtronic and spent about an hour making adjustments with their guidance.  He had me walk twice down the hallway in his office--the first walk I had a HR of 137, the 2nd walk after further adjustmen...

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My pacemaker has ultimately saved mine and my unborn child’s life for which I am thankful.