I got a pacemaker due to 3rd degree block.

Hello everyone... I had a tricuspid valve replacement heart surgery on May 18th and ended up getting a pacemaker on May 24th due to 3rd degree block as doctors has some testings done on my heart during my stay in hospital. but i had no symptoms of feeling faint or passed our or dizzy or anything during my time in hospital before i got a pacemaker, i was doing alot of walking around the nursing station and felt fine, one thing i dont understand? is 3rd degree block possible without any symptoms?

overall today i am feeling much better and feel more energy and more stronger with doing activities like weight training and walking and some jogging.

2 Comments

Symptoms of 3rd degree block

by ElectricFrank - 2011-07-12 02:07:27

Basically, 3rd degree block leaves the heart without a connection between atrium and ventricles. Since our natural pacemaker paces the atrium the ventricles are left on their own as to when to beat. The ventricles have a built in fall back rhythm that usual keep them beating at a slow 25-40 or so rate that is unchanged by exercise.

The symptoms can vary widely from just feeling a bit low energy to passing out. As J.B. mentioned it can also result in death if the rate is too low or the fall back is non existent. This is rare though and seems to be one of those fear tactics used to scare reluctant patients into have a pacer implanted. It's not uncommon for a patient to have to wait weeks or months to be scheduled for a pacer even with complete block.

Anyway, if you are in otherwise good physical condition and your fallback rate is in the 40 range, you may not even notice the problem. I was able to stand and walk around the night before implant with my HR down to 26, but the pacer made a very noticeable difference when they turned it on in the OR. I think you will be happy you have it.

frank

Third Degree Heart Block Symptoms

by J.B. - 2011-07-12 12:07:06

You decide if you should have had symptoms.

The symptoms and severity of heart block depend on which type you have. First-degree heart block rarely causes severe symptoms.

Second-degree heart block may result in the heart skipping a beat or beats. This type of heart block also can make you feel dizzy or faint.

Third-degree heart block limits the heart's ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. This type of heart block may cause fatigue (tiredness), dizziness, and fainting. Third-degree heart block requires prompt treatment because it can be fatal.

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I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for pacemakers. I've had mine for 35+ years. I was fainting all of the time and had flat-lined also. I feel very blessed to live in this time of technology.