Fluid buildup

I am a grateful survivor of a SCA about 7 months ago.  The cause of the arrest is genetic electrical conduction problems.  No other heart disease and physically active my entire life. I had a Medtronic ICD implanted about 5 months ago, replacing a pacemaker for SSS. I have not been shocked but have been paced out of ventricular arrhythmias.  I am paced for SSS 99% of the time.  I got an email from my EP office Friday and saw him today.  The device has indicated a rapid fluid buildup.  I am scheduled for a 2-D echo and stress test in a few days.  My EF after the SCA was 60%.  I am taking a beta blocker to slow my heart rate and Xarelto for arrhythmias, which will soon be discontinued.  Any comments or questions to ask would be appreciated.  

3 Comments

thinking of you

by belsheart - 2017-03-08 01:39:05

Fluid build up is scary.  But your ejection fraction is a good number.  SO you have that in  your favor.  Also good that you are on the BB.  I'm guessing you haven't started on lasix or another diuretic?  Keep us posted on the Echo results. It's once of my favorite tests because it doesn't hurt:)

Medtronic OptiVol

by DampDog - 2017-03-08 09:19:37

I had my Medtronic CRT-D alarm a few weeks post implant. It scared the life out of me, I didn't know they could make alarm sounds!!!

When they interrogated the device it had been triggered by the OptiVol fluid detection algorythm. He said the default values can be a little too conservative. He tweaked it and said don't worry about it, it's highly unlikely to alarm again.Up to now it's been fine.

Try not to worry, it may be something and nothing.

Xarelto

by BillH - 2017-03-08 23:38:33

Clarification Xarelto is not For arrhythmias; ie it does not help control them. Rather it is an anti-coagulant. It is used to help reduce the chance of a clog forming that is related to some arrhythmias.

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