Single lead ICD

Cabbage Patch refered to a one lead being strickly a defibrillator type, I had a single lead ICD implanted in October of 2008 St Jude modle number 1207-36, my heart doctor ordered a PM but the EP decided I needed the defb/Pm which they say is both off a single lead, I am confused to no end as since the implant I have had nothing but problems, I had stent put in both right and left side, one in 2007 total blockage in right side, causing heart attack, and in 2008 the left side was nearly blocked, my EJ factor is bouncing between 25-30, my problems seem to be blood pressure drops to 80/50 at day after implant, last week 70/50 in doctor office which came up to 90/70 after an hour, and chest pains, the doctor says just heart burn, i have apointment with heart doctor the 18th this month and i would like some infor on questions to ask him about blood pressure, and why i got a one lead, i am 66 years old, thank you

3 Comments

Ask him why your EF is low

by BillMFl - 2009-03-04 10:03:56

First, there are single lead regular PMs. They were more common in the past and were demand only models primarily used for pacing the right atrium for SSS. Now adays, most non ICD Pms are 2 lead models that can do more sophisticated pacing as in Rate Response mode. As for your BP there are many possible causes. I would ask him questions about the mechanical functioning of your heart and what your specific diagnosis is. It is possible that you have reduced output due to muscle damage caused by your infarct. You want to know if there are other structural problems (valves, myopathy, etc.) You probably have a single lead ICD because your ECG does not show the type of rythm problems that require routine pacing of both chambers. What meds are you taking? Low BP may be a trade off for other factors that he is medicating you for. You have a very complicated condition, way beyond my knowledge but I hope this helps you organize your questions. At the very least he can use a standard heart diagram and point out the areas of concern. I would want to know. And the heart itself is not the only system that regulates BP but with all you have been thru already it probably is the cause. Good luck Jim!!

Thank You For Replying

by Jim From Pa - 2009-03-04 11:03:50

Thanks for the information to seek from heart doctor, you are correct I do have heart muscel damage from full blockage on right side that triggered heart attack.. my medication are: Plavix 75mg, asprin, Metoprolol 25 mg 2 times day, isosorbide 30 mg once day, enalapril 10 mg, plus clostreal pill, , this visit to doctor at least have a start of questions, i explained to him i get shortness of breath and he says not heart problem, yet a partner in his pratice forced a stress test with dye and here the first stent had a build up in it that had to be opened at end, needless to say my shortness of breath improved, till lately, all my family have died from heart problems thought would miss me but it caught up later in my life than others, again I appreciate your reply and will hopefully get answers the 18th.

Heres more Jim

by BillMFl - 2009-03-05 08:03:47

You are on three types of BP meds. A Beta Blocker, a vasodialator, and an ACE inhibitor. That is a lot of BP meds which leads me to think you must have had very high BP at some time, or they are trying to greatly reduce the workload on your heart. The plavix and aspirin are to thin your blood and to prevent blockages or strokes. The chloresterol pill is to help reduce buildup in your stents and coronary arteries.

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