Pacemaker & Dizziness

Hi
I had a pacemaker put in about a month ago. I was down to 29 beats per minute so they figured it was time. I had an ascending aortic aneurysm repaired in 2001.
Still don't feel so good. Dizziness/lightheadedness every once in a while. Fluttering of the heatbeat. On top of that, I have had diarrhea and a headache. I was place on Metroprolol after the pacemaker, but the doctor took me off after I complaining how I felt. Still do not feel much better.
I am lost. I just want to feel better and I am afraid I never will.
Any suggestions.
Thanks
rich

4 Comments

Dizziness

by Pookie - 2008-08-01 03:08:37

Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in doctors' offices (after lower back pain). Dizziness has many causes other than inner ear dysfunction.

Visual disturbances can result in lightheadedness or dizziness. Some people feel dizzy while adjusting to bifocals or a new eyeglass prescription, or from reduced vision due to cataracts.

Hyperventilation can cause temporary dizziness. During rapid breathing, more carbon dioxide than normal is expelled and the level of carbon dioxide in the blood falls, which in turn affects the function of brain cells.

Decreased blood flow to the brain or brain stem can cause dizziness, because insufficient oxygen is reaching the cells. Conditions that can reduce blood flow to the brain include orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon suddenly rising from a lying or sitting position), dehydration, vasovagal syndrome (a nervous-system response that causes sudden loss of muscle tone in peripheral blood vessels), arteriosclerosis (hardening or narrowing of blood vessels), and osteoarthritis (a joint disease that can narrow the openings in the neck vertebrae through which blood vessels flow).

Nervous-system disorders such as peripheral neuropathies (diminished nerve function in the legs or feet) can cause unsteadiness. A tumor may affect the brain stem, the cerebellum (the coordination center of the brain), or the part of the cerebral cortex that controls voluntary muscle movements.

Even stress, tension, or fatigue may cause dizziness. Under these conditions, the brain stem functions less efficiently, resulting in some loss of automatic reflex control of balance. This leads to elevated levels of activity for the cerebral cortex, as conscious energy is used to help maintain balance by controlling voluntary muscle movements. Lightheadedness and unsteadiness can result.

Pookie

dizziness/lightheadedness

by maryanne - 2008-08-01 10:08:12

As you know there are many causes for dizziness and lightheadedness. Hypotension of course is one, decreased heart rate, hypoglycemia, decreased hemoglobin many reasons. Have you had recent bloodwork done? If you haven't that is a start.

As for your PM it is possible that you might need your settings looked at and adjusted. Also, what is your underlying heart rhythm? When you use the word flutter it is possible to be in an atrial fib or flutter with a slowed ventricular response, hence the low heart rate.

Again, it's worth investigating. Best of luck,please keep us posted.

diarrhea, headache

by ElectricFrank - 2008-08-02 01:08:30

It is possible that you have an infection which could be related to the implant surgery or possibly just a case of one of the many viruses out there. Have you checked for a low grade fever? If you have one I would see the doc promptly. One of the hazards for a few weeks after the implant is developing a low grade infection in the implant site. This can sometimes get into the vein via the leads and cause a systemic infection.

just another thought,

frank

Pacemaker & Dizziness

by vtlaney - 2008-08-02 07:08:21

Hi Rich...I had a pacemaker inserted on June 4th for sss and had a dizzy foggy feeling for many weeks...I had several check ups by my internist and cardiologist but no one could give me any reason... I am now feeling alot better...the dizziness and foggy feeling is no longer there....I think my body had to adapt to the pm...but I would have this checked out thoroughly by your doctors...Good Luck...vtlaney

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Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.