pacemaker causing heart failure?

• by June2901
• 2008-01-20 12:01:58
• General Posting
• 1209 views
• 0 comments

I am a 33yr old female with 3rd degree heart block, happily married, 2 children and a 6yr old pacemaker. Recently, (Nov. and Jan.) phone checks have made my heart race around 150 beats a minute. The first on lasted about 15 min. and the second on was for an hour and a half and an ER visit. Both converted on their own. I had an echo done right after the conversion. Last week, my doctor visit was a shock. EP said that my heart was functioning at 35%. My only options are drugs or an "up-grade" as he put it. I am scared and frustrated and feel very, very pressured. The meds he suggested would lower my BP which is usually 90/60 but nonetheless he thinks it will help. He could put in a third lead but if one is causing failure wouldn't another do more? The defib was only mentioned as a "possibility" for up-grade (sounds like I am worse not better). I asked about exercising more, vitamins, supplements, anything....his answer was nothing will help but the med coreg. Has anyone else experienced this? I could use any input. Please!