History of pericarditis, can I still get a pacemaker?

My cardiologist office is closed until Monday for me to ask this, but I am wondering has anyone had a history of pericarditis and then got a pacemaker? Would I be more at risk for redeveloping pericarditis? I had pericarditis 11 years ago. I now have bradicardia and 5-10 second stops. I believe my cardiologist is leaning towards a pacemaker. I am worried that I could redevelop pericarditis after implantation. 

2 Comments

Maybe

by AgentX86 - 2019-11-23 14:25:54

What's the alternative? Crappy life?  SCA? Death?

don't think so

by Tracey_E - 2019-11-24 08:31:27

Pericarditis can happen very rarely after a pacer implant, I believe the lead puncturing causes it. I know that the number is really low, like well under one in 1000. Whether having had it before puts you at a higher risk or not is a question for your surgeon, but I would imagine the risks of not being paced outweigh any potential risks of the surgery. A low heart rate makes us feel bad, but it's also really hard on our organs because they're being deprived of oxygen they need. Pauses can cause us to pass out, or the heart can pause and not start up again. Pacing isn't something they recommend lightly, it's because we need it.  

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