Biventricular Pacemaker Recommended

Hello All.  So glad I came across this Club.  I've been seeing a cardiololgist for over 5 years and my doctor has summized that I should have a Biventricular Pacemaker due to low ejection fraction, 30-35% which saw a 25% drop from just a year and a half ago.  During that time I was exposed to a tremendous amount of stress which I feel may have been a contributing factor to this decline.  I am 68 years old this past Janurary and I also am afflicted with CHF and a LBBB so my left ventrical walls do not contract at the same time which is a contributor to the poor ejection.  I still try to work out with dumbbells (nothing real heavy) for approximately 1 hour twice a week and enjoy riding my mountain bike in the woods for about 15 mile jaunts also twice weekly.  I try to keep my heart rate around 135 and sometimes it will spike to 155 but shortly after that happens I really have to take a break.  My doctor fears I could have an cardiac event while in the woods which is obviously a very bad thing.  I've just finished my 2nd 2D echo with contrast (insurance thing I think) and am waiting on further instruction for the electrophysiologist.  I messed up and started researching the procedure and ran across some gloom and doom sites and now I'm getting cold feet; worrying, etc.  I will say after reading all the helpful information you all have shared, I'm feeling a little at ease as opposed to "panic" I've been in the last few weeks. Both doctors have told me that it will improve my "quality of life" and may save me from a serious event.  I know I should saddle up, but I'm still worried.  If anyone has experience with this type of pacemaker please respond with your experience.

Thank you all in advance,

 

2 Comments

Biventricular Pacemaker

by AgentX86 - 2019-03-13 23:02:47

I had a binventricular (AKA CRT-P) pacemaker (with no atrial lead) implnted a year ago, with an AV ablation.  My LVEF is normal but they used the biventricular pacemaker to make sure it stayed that way.  CRT pacemakers are normal for those with a low LVEF.  The CHF may get you a CRT-D (a CRT pacemaker with a defibrillator), too.  It's nothing scary and could easily turn your whole life around. You have very little to lose and a lot to gain.

Thanks

by Observer_68 - 2019-03-14 10:45:01


Thank you for sharing and making me feel better.  :)

You know you're wired when...

You can finally prove that you have a heart.

Member Quotes

A properly implanted and adjusted pacemaker will not even be noticeable after you get over the surgery.