LEAD NOISE

Just discovered your club online and found some of the posts / answers very interesting so I joined!

I have had a pacemaker with atrium lead for 32 years and working on my 3rd pacemaker with original lead.  (symtoms that lead to this was passing out and 2 occassions of Cardiac Arrest, diagnosis = SSS)

Began having incidences of lead interferrence since March 2016 as well as PVCs and have been told nothing to worry about.  Discussions with  cardiologist (with this group for 25 years) lead to disagreements and a refusal to look into this closer.  He stated that you only use your PM 0.1% of the time so not necessary to do anything.  Fired this group and went to another group!

Briefed new group and they scheduled an Echo Cardiogram which showed Tricuspid Valve leakage and both Atriums enlarged.  Nothing to worry about, your PM works fine when tested and you only pace 0.1% of the time.  Followup appointment resulted in Cardioloigist showing up an hour late, he was not in his normal atire, and begain talking to me about a lead that I don't have!  Fired him and thanks to my GP's referral, I am seeing another Cardioloigist in the same group.

Briefed him and he schedule a PET Scan which resulted in everything OK and a Beta Blocker medication to help with the PVCs!

NOW, you know where my confidence is!  I spent many years believing in if there is a problem or malfunction you DO SOMETHING about it, TROUBLESHOOT...

Is there someone within the club that has experienced similar issue?  If so, would you comment please...

THANK YOU,  RJ2017

 

2 Comments

lead noise

by The real Patch - 2017-09-26 20:13:08

First I would hope you are just using a generic term and really mean youare dealing with an Electrophysiologist who specializes in the electrical system of the heart. They are Cardiologists but have specialized training and tend to be far better versed in Pacemakers and associated issues. I am not surprised after 32 years your lead is breaking down and you are picking up noise as a result. I agree that it should be addressed and they should replace the lead regardless. almost working ain't good enough when it comes to our hearts. I agree with you, enlarged heart and leaking trcuspid are things that need to be addressed before they get out of control and nothing can be done. Good luck

Trust

by Good Dog - 2017-09-26 20:24:27

I didn't experience anything quite as bad as you, but that is why I have always believed that as a patient you need to get educated, ask lots of questions and don't assume anything. I had a cardiologist once that started cutting to replace my PM before I was anesthetized. That hurt! I have read horror stories about mistreatment that people undergo. Read a study done in Germany where they were checking PM's from cadavers including their medical history and found a huge number of them programed improperly and more that were never programed. They were just implanted out of the box.

I am sure you've heard the phrase: trust, but verify. That isn't always easy to do, but it is important to try. Remember............only half of all Cardiologists graduated in the top 50% of their class.

I wish you the very best and am happy that things turned-out well for you.

Sincerely.

David

You know you're wired when...

Jerry & The Pacemakers is your favorite band.

Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.