Understanding my new pacemaker

I just got a pacemaker 3 weeks ago. I had an episode of TGA (Transient Global Anemia) where I came home from Pilates class and couldn't remember where I'd been or how I got home. I husband took me to the ER, thinking I might have had a stroke. They ran a bunch of tests and everything came out normal but they kept me overnight for observation. The next morning as I was lying in bed texting my family, I apparently passed out and came to with a room full of people acting very concerned. It turns our my heart had "paused" for 3 seconds and then for 6. A cardiologist was called, most tests, all of which were normal. With no explanation available, the doc said that I should get a PM because what would happen if I was driving, etc. Two hours later I had my PM. While non of the docs at the hospital could propose a connection between the two events, my GP suggested if I was not getting enough oxygen to the brain, it could well have triggered the TGA. I am sharing all this background in the interests nof advancing understanding about both events.

I can feel my PM go off. It's hard to describe but feels like a twitch in my heart but very mechanical. It usually goes about 6-8 times at 1/2 second intervals, then stops. This mostly only happens at night. However, the other day after a brisk 3  mile walk I came home and it went off about 7 times in a row. I called my Cardiologists office and sent them a report transmission and they called back to tell me that everything looked normal. I figured the exercise could well have triggered it. However this morning it started going off as I was leaving to drive to my walk when I hadn't done any strenuous activity. It went off about four times. This concered me so I bailed on the walk. 

NOW, my question: Is my PM going off a sign I should err on the side of caution and rest or is it simply doing it's job? I now that it can't prevent a heart attack and even tho I tested normal, I do have a history of heart disease in my family.

I would appreciate any advice or comments on any part of my eexperience and am grateful to have found this forum of fellow Pacers.

1 Comments

talk to your doctor

by Tracey_E - 2018-12-29 13:28:17

The pacer is supposed to go off when your heart pauses, that's why you have it. They start them with the signal turned up high until the leads settle in and the heart has a chance to get used to being paced. After that, they turn it down to the minimum amount needed to get the heart to beat so the battery lasts longer. They should be able to adjust it so that you don't feel it, that it kicks in seamlessly.

Other than the funky feeling of the pacing, how did you feel? If you feel otherwise strong, you should be able to keep on walking. The heart tries to stop, the pacer doesn't let it, so the problem is fixed and in theory you should be able to do what you want without worry. It can take some time to learn to trust it and be comfortable with it, but it's doing its job. Push them to adjust so it can do its job without you feeling it. 

The report will just tell them that the pacer is pacing which is good to know but not helpful in figuring out what you're feeling. Sometimes you need to get past the nurses/tech and talk to the doctor.

Heart attacks are plumbing issues, when the pipes are clogged and part of the heart tissue dies. Pauses are electrical and unrelated to plumbing, and also unrelated to lifestyle. If we have electrical issues and a family history, the best thing we can do for ourselves is eat right and stay fit so don't let this keep you from your walks. 

First get them to tweak your settings. If that doesn't help, an option is getting on a treadmill at the cardiologist's office so they can see what's going on in real time and adjust the settings again. Last, cardiac rehab is exercise supervised by nurses which can be great for getting your confidence back because you can start to push under medical supervision so you learn what's ok. But if you feel ok other than the crazy beats- no weakness or dizziness or excessive fatigue- there probably isn't any reason not to keep going. It doesn't matter how many episodes happen or if they're triggered by exercise, the pacer has your back.

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