New candidate for CRT-D

I have been referred to an EP by my cardiologist and am trying to come to terms with the inevitable. 3 months ago my Dr installed 4 stents in my heart to take care of blockage that has caused damage that has resulted in an ef of 30. I didn’t see this coming as I just didn’t have a gotcha event. My suffering was basically just tightness in my chest occasionally when I stressed myself through exercise or heavy uphill walking. It would pass quickly so I wasn’t overly alarmed until an ekg showed I have an lbbb and damage. My doc said I was on a slow roll. I have been wearing a life vest for 3 months and my ef has not increased above 30 so I am now a candidate for a 3 wire pm with a defib. He stated that if my ef would increase to 35+ I should be ok but it hovers at 30. I don’t feel bad that I know of and the tightness seems to have disappeared after the stents. My heart has an off kilter beat because of the ef and sometimes I do feel a little dizzy but that’s it. Everyone seems worried about sudden death because of the low ef which obviously worries me but it seems so borderline. Help please, I go through acceptance and then rejection of having this pm installed...thanks for your thoughts!

5 Comments

An EF of 35% is still low

by Grateful Heart - 2018-06-19 16:59:53

I have a CRT-D.  My EF was 24%, LBBB, SSS and enlarged heart ....Cardiomyopathy.  It is now 55% and my heart is no longer enlarged. Much credit to docs, meds, diet, low sodium and exercise.  Not everyone sees the same results so I am very grateful and fortunate.

The stents are for the "plumbing" part of the problem which opened up your arteries for better blood flow.

A CRT or pacemaker is the for "electrical" part of the problem. 

So it is two separate problems with two separate fixes.

It's scary in the beginning when we are told we need a device. 

Learn all you can about your condition and the CRT-D device and acceptance will come.  None of us wanted to believe we needed one.  I almost walked out of the hospital 9 years ago when I overheard them talking about putting the leads into my heart.  (I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know about this site then or anyone who had a device).  I'm glad I didn't.

If you have any doubt, getting a 2nd opinion may be helpful to you.

Ask any questions you have here too.  We've all been there.

Grateful Heart

Didn’t help

by tjl123 - 2018-06-20 09:56:27

what a strange reaction to my post....I wouldn’t say I am in denial of anything...I am trying to come to terms with the inevitable not hurt myself or anyone else...wow

We try

by Grateful Heart - 2018-06-20 16:34:16

Being helpful and supportive is always my goal. 

Sometimes with some humor thrown in.

Grateful Heart

You were helpful....

by tjl123 - 2018-06-20 16:42:08

I actually enjoyed your post...My reaction was hearing that I was possibly going to take someone else's life...Just found that a strange way to comfort is all...

Try not to take it personal

by Grateful Heart - 2018-06-20 16:54:03

I think Robin1 was just pointing out some worst case scenarios.  

There are many other newbies or possible newbies who read these posts for information.  Sometimes, they may not realize the possible dangers of NOT getting a PM or CRT... so pointing out those dangers can be helpful and... the push they need to make their decision. 

Grateful Heart

 

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