thanks to ElectricFrank

Thank you for the info on CHF and ventricular pacing. i do have my pacemaker rate response mode off and my thresholds have been re-adjusted to 50 - 170. Still, when I work out my rate seems to climb faster than it used to. My 2nd dgree block seemed to come on progressively over several years. i was diagnosed with RBB in 2000 (no big deal). then around 2003 i began having rate dependent brady. then it became less and less rate dependent and basically chronic. My medtronic pacer has done well in the past two years. Sometimes I forget I have it and sometimes I can't believe it happened to me.

I'm still researching the cause. i have feared underlying coronary artery disease because of my historically high cholesteral (250). however, no high blood pressure, never smoked and no family history. Now on 40 mg lipitor.
What about Lyme disease. I've heard that could cause nodal block.

Thanks again

Robin






Thanks again for the information


1 Comments

Lyme

by ElectricFrank - 2008-02-29 01:02:25

I've heard that one also. There is a blood test that shows if you have ever had Lymes, although it isn't totally reliable.

The 250 cholesteral isn't likely to be the cause. I got a lot of flack from my cardiologist about mine (265) especially when I turned him down on taking statins. Interestingly, my brother developed RBB last year and his cardiologist talked him into a chemical stress test because of his cholesterol (also around 250). That test came back negative so the cardiologist then talked him into an audiogram since "he must have CHD with his cholesterol. They even had him set up to receive a stent while they were in there. Interestingly his arteries were clear.

There is a web site of one of the life insurance companies that has a detailed form to fill out and then gives a life expectancy based on their actuarial tables. I entered my data and came out living until my late 90's. Then I reentered the data except lowered my cholesterol to 100. the report gave me 6 months more life!

By the way one of the things that will affect the rate your HR climbs with exercise is how active you have been over the last 30-60 miniutes before you start. Inactivity causes a buildup of chemicals in your muscles that are released when you start moving. Your system has to process the chemicals which has the same effect as intensive exercise. This is a lot like warming up, but is more subtle.

frank

You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.