Short of breath

I am 4 weeks post pacemaker implant for rather sudden onset total heart block with sick sinus syndrome. I am still very short of breath when walking 100 feet or more. Is this norma


7 Comments

More information needed here too

by AgentX86 - 2018-10-01 22:50:10

What sort of pacemaker?  Any other issues other than SSS and heart block?  Medical issues, other than the heart?  Meds? What was your condition before your pacemaker implant?

Your pacemaker may just not have the rate response set right yet, or may even be turned off.  Have you discussed this problem with your EP?

Short of breath

by Weezie69 - 2018-10-01 23:15:32

I don't know anything about the settings on my PM. Didn't know enough to ask. My HR was in the 40s and they said the PM would keep it from going too low. I'm still in the learning curve!  I did call the cardiologist office today but have not heard back.

After 2 weeks they put me on Metoprolol 25 for crazy palpitations. That helped.

Normally I am fairly active with other medical conditions under control.

OK, that's some information

by AgentX86 - 2018-10-02 08:29:16

What is your resting heart rate? This is a setting on your PM. Since you have Bradycardia, this will very likely be what you'd count manually. Does it change when you move?

You're on a low dose of metoprolol but some don't tolerate it well at all. This could be a problem but this sounds pretty serious. You need to see your medical team as soon as possible.

SOB

by ROBO Pop - 2018-10-02 13:26:03

No, short of breath is not normal. Just call your doctor and tell them what's going on. Chances are they can change some settings for you

Short of breath

by Weezie69 - 2018-10-02 13:36:50

So my resting HR is 60. Dr says to wait till we have results of stress test (Oct 10) before we do anything. Another set of wasted days, waiting.

Also, I looked up the test results of my last 12 lead EKG and it said, among other things, left anterior fascicular block. Anything with the word block doesn't sound good to me!

Fascicular block

by AgentX86 - 2018-10-02 15:38:50

That's essentially the same thing as a Left Bundle Branch Block.  All it means is that the electrical signals aren't getting to the left ventricle properly. That's not really a complete heart block but a pacemaker should make you good as new. That it's not means something isn't quite right,  still.

SOB

by Weezie69 - 2018-10-02 16:28:32

Well, that EKG was post PM placement. Original EKG showed complete heart block and SSS. This is getting confusing and frustrating. I can't even walk into the kitchen without getting SOB!

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