Pacemaker induced Cardiomyopathy

I have been 'paced since age 43, now 69, very active but with last two implants defibrillators with frequent 'firings'. Last defibrillator has been set to avoid this little annoyance however last check-up following UltraSound indicated reduction of heart function to 40%. It appears that after consultations that I will have third ventricular lead inserted to offset the pace induced weakened heart muscle. If am confident in my physicians who are @ Arrhythmia Specialized Hospital - Lankenau, in Phila, PA but would value compatriots personal experience with this condition. The most significant recent symptom is tiredness, my exercise tolerance remains high however with frequent need for naps. I'm sure none of this has to do with aging?

I just found your site and look forward to sharing experiences.

3 Comments

Tiredness

by Stacklifter - 2009-11-23 05:11:26

Thanks for checking in with me, your experience that activity relieves tiredness is consistent with mine as well. My latest 'Eco' showed a reduction in heart function to 40% which does correlate to my experience but is a source of concern. I race-walk at Valley Forge Nat'l Park weekly, 5-7 miles and am mildly skeptical of diagnosis - we'll see.

Tiredness

by ElectricFrank - 2009-11-23 12:11:30

How does exercise affect your tiredness. One thing I've found is that when I am relaxing my HR and BP both have a tendency to go quite low. At those times I feel wiped out. If I get up and active I'm fine.

Your high exercise tolerance is a good sign. Poor heart output shows itself as shortness of breath and fatigue with exercise.

Welcome to the site.

frank

cardiomyopathy

by PreciousDays - 2009-11-25 08:11:08

if your ejection fraction is 40% that is (at least according to my EP) the limit which defines heart failure. - If I am understanding your third lead situation correctly, that will give you a biventricular pacer, which will indeed strengthen the beat of the heart. (It also provides "resynchronization" of the ventricles - keeping them cooperative with each other) - My personal experience is with a biventricular pacer /defibrillator for cardiomyopathy. It has (until recent replacement issues) - made a worthwhile difference in my quality of life. Good luck w/it all. PD

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