ECG-New Results

Hi All,

I had an ECG done in Nov. My Dr. told me that the results now show that I MAY have a first degree A/V block. Then she tells me that they usually DO NOT implant pacemakers in a patient with a first degree block. I got my pacemaker in 8/07, and at the time was told that I had Bradycardia with a 2nd degree block. I had my implant at a civilian hospital in another state. Now, I am receiving medical at the Veteran's Administration. That is where the ECG was done. They are sending me to a Cardiologist to research further to why I have a pacemaker on Mar 25.

News of this sort really shocked me. Needing the pacemaker when I never had a heart problem before, was a shock.

Has anyone here heard anything of the sort or heard of anything like this?

Thank you,
CJ

4 Comments

New results

by ElectricFrank - 2010-03-11 02:03:58

Especially with first or second degree blocks the condition can change over time. These aren't exact diagnosis as they are marginal conditions and subject to interpretation. A third degree block is easy to see..there is no reliable conduction between the atrium and ventricles.

The thing to consider is that first or second degree blocks are often just steps on the road to complete block. The earlier doc may have felt that having a pacer was worthwhile as a backup. On the other hand sometimes a condition will improve over time.

hope this helps,

frank

yes

by Tracey_E - 2010-03-11 06:03:53

As Frank said, the diagnosis is subject to interpretation and it can change over time. Are you pacing? They can tell you how often you use it when they interrogate it. If you're pacing, it's safe to say you need it.

Pacing?....

by CJD2007 - 2010-03-11 11:03:21

Thank you EFrank and TraceyE for your comments.

Ok... I know this isn't good, you guys can yell at me.... but I haven't had my pm checked for a yr. I have been unemployed for a year and going to school and did not have medical until recently through the VA. A year ago, I was pacing at 40%. I haven't had any problems, thank God.

I have heard of people having improvements and having the pm removed. I am not getting my hopes up though. I am just waiting patiently to see what is going on.

UPDATE***CHANGES***

by CJD2007 - 2010-03-26 02:03:12

Hi All,

I had a thorough check up today after not having been checked for a year. Things have changed. They aren't certain to why the ECG showed a possible 1st degree block. What they did find was instead of being 40% pacemaker dependent, I am now 60%. I have 2nd and 3rd degree blocks. I was certain that I would still need the pacemaker, but wasn't prepared for being more dependent and having a 3rd degree block as well.
I am thankful for my battery operated device and that I have only 2 months left of school as a Pharmacy Tech ;D Looking forward to new beginnings.

Hope you all are doing well...
CJ

You know you're wired when...

Your device acts like a police scanner.

Member Quotes

I had a pacemaker when I was 11. I never once thought I wasn't a 'normal kid' nor was I ever treated differently because of it. I could do everything all my friends were doing; I just happened to have a battery attached to my heart to help it work.