Diagonosed

I was just diagnosed with Bradychardia. Looking back at my health history in 2010 my heart rate was 63, in 2013 it was 58, on Tuesday it was 48. I have not seen a cardiologist (waiting for a call back) but my MD told me that a pacemaker will be an option. I read that a feeling of anxiety could be a symptom of Bradychardia, if so then that's one more that I didn't even associate with the condition. I have minor panic attacks when I lay down at night. It only lasts a couple of seconds but it's a terrifying feeling. I've had this for a few years and now I know it's coming and don't get freaked out as much. Does anyone else have this or is it something else? If so did getting a pacemaker make it go away?  That would be one perk along with no more dizzy spells, being able to move around without feeling like passing out, not feeling like I could sleep standing up, etc. 


4 Comments

A steady heartbeat is a wonderful thing

by Gotrhythm - 2018-06-28 15:18:58

Your question interested me, because for years before I was diagnosed, I would have episodes when my heart would start pounding for "no reason." More and more frequently, it happened just a I was dropping off to sleep--with the result that I would be wide awake for another hour. When I mentioned the problem to my PCP he diagnosed "anxiety" and offered Xanax.

Years later, several cardiologists tried to diagnose panic attacks when I was trying to find out why I felt so terrible, so exhasuted, sometimes. I rejected that because, even when my heart pounded, I wasn't panicked. Like you, I could say, "oh that's just that feeling. It will go away."

People are very different in terms of how they react emotionally to having a pacemaker. I can't say what will happen to you. But having no expectations either way, I was very surprised, and delighted, when several days or about a week after implatation, I realized I felt deeply calm and peaceful all the time, for the first time in years.

At first it didn't occur to me that the pacemaker was making that difference. I thought it was an after effect of the drugs I had been given. Seriously. I still didn't guess my new serenity was due to the pacemaker keeping my heart beat regular.

Being so bright and all, I did finally figure it out. I can tell you that from the moment I woke up from the anesthetic, my "anxiety" was gone, and has remained gone.

Other members have posted about seemingly psychiatric symptoms that went away when they got a pacemaker.

Truly, a steady heartbeat is a wonderful thing. I hope it will work out the same for you.

Thank you!

by syoungs1122 - 2018-06-28 16:58:25

Thanks so much for your time in answering my question!  This makes me feel tons better and now I'm looking forward to getting a PM!  I never would have thought I'd ever be saying that! I hope I get the same results as you too.

Thanks again!!

Bradycardia: Gotacemaker

by tedd - 2018-06-29 00:26:47

5 weeks ago I had pulse in the 30's.

I was lightheaded from time to time so much so I saw a doctor. She

referried me to a cardiologist who gave me a Zio patch (like Holter monitor but a small 3 inch gadget you wear)  for 14 days.

The results showed I had 13 episodes with up to 6 second pauses.

This results were read by a electro physiologist. Basically, he is a doctor who can interpret electric or nerve stimulus in the heart. You might experience similar referrals: primary doctor to cardiologist to eltrophysiologist.

Now,  after seeing three doctors they all said the same diagnosis: I had  sick sinus syndrome.

Two camps of thought occur at this point. Those that hem and haw, and delay doing anything, feeling that they might get better, it will pass.

( symptoms usually persist or get worse)

The other camp bites the bullet and takes the doctors recommendations and gets the pacemaker.

For me, I choose the latter and got the pacemaker.

Long story short, I initially felt tired from the operation, but gradually got my strength back.

Pulse nowin the 60's,  blood pressure normal and no more lightheadedness.

Each of us has to decide for ourselves how to react to the doctor recommendation. I am sure you will make the right decision when you add everything up. Be brave. Best wishes for better health!

Hoping pauses get better...

by AgentX86 - 2018-06-29 08:47:55

...is one way to wake up dead. Three doctors have confirmed SSS. You should believe them (else why bother with doctors at all). It really isn't about feeling dizzy,  at this point.

 

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