Breathing Issues - Can They Be PM Related

Hey, looking for some input. I have had a PM for about 2 yrs for 2nd degree heart block (dual lead). For the last yr or so I have had issues with breathing (catching my breath, shortness of breath, asthma symptoms). Question is can my pacemaker be causing some of the problems. I play hockey and have found that raising my upper limit to 170 has helped significantly with the catching my breath issue. I still don't have the endurance I had in the past. The latest symptom that concerns me is when I tread mill (high incline), fast walking, I feel a tightness across the center of my chest. As I continue it tends to get better after (~25 min). I have no discomfort playing hockey. Could I be having PVCs while exercising?
I plan to make an appointment with my cardiologist next week but wonder if anyone has any idea what’s going on.

Thanks
Jim
(age 53)

2 Comments

Oh wow! That seems familiar!

by Edouard - 2011-08-25 03:08:42

Hi Jim
I celebrated my first anniversary with "Pac-Man" last May. I am a 59 year-old competitve swimmer with 2nd degree heart block. The surgical report mentioned that I was also suffering from Sick Sinus Syndrome.
I returned to swimming after about 6 weeks and have raced in many competitions - quite well I might add.
I have no problem maintaining my breath during my swimming.
I do, however, suffer occasional episodes of shortness of breath under conditions of mild effort - walking quickly, going up a moderate to steep incline, cutting the grass, etc.
A day with a holter monitor revealed that I had experienced a few brief episodes of tachycardia and very short instances of a-fib. My Cardio is not concerned, at this time. He attributes the SOB to the tachycardia and the tachycardia to the SSS.
He has not piled on any additional medication (I have been on Crestor Monopril and Asaphen for years) and is content to monitor the situation on an annual basis.
I don't know if your condition is similar to mine, but that's my story. On the other hand, "When in doubt, check it out!"
Regards
Edouard

Thanks

by Jmiller - 2011-08-25 04:08:04

Wow, thanks for sharing your story. It gives me a little more confidence to discuss with my doctor and cardiologist that this could be heart related. The last time I was in doctors office he was chalking it up to asthma.

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My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.