blood pressure increase post PM

for 2 mo. after pm placement, I (who have never had high bp in my life)had my bp spike, like in the 170's over 99-102.
the pm was for a bradycardiac heart rate only (32-33 bpm) , no other cardiac problems... 2 internists said it was to be expected as my body gets used to the increased hr (now 60 bpm, like clockwork), but the surgeon and my cardiologist said there should be no connection between the pm and the spike in bp...
has anyone had this problem, or heard of it, or can explain mechanically why this would happen?

3 Comments

Yes, I have had this problem

by pacergirl - 2009-11-01 08:11:41

Hi dw406904, I have this problem as well. I can't figure it out, my docs just keep trying new BP meds and I am not getting better. The High Blood pressure is a problem. Like you, I didn't have this before I developed the bradycardia. I have some other heart issues, but I didn't have high BP before the pacemaker. I will be watching for what our fellow pacemaker friends have to add. Sure would like to solve this problem because I don't do well with long term drug use.
Pacergirl

Before and After

by jimmy412 - 2009-11-01 10:11:57

I use to have HBP before I has weight loss surgery. I was taken off of it since my BP was lower after I lost weight. But after they determined I needed a pacemaker due to my heart rate going lower, my HBP returned after pacemaker surgery. I am now on Diovan, and it seems to work fairly well and I have tried alot of HBP meds in the past. I believe there is a relation to the faster heart rate and HBP. My situation kinda showed that, at least in my case.

Makes perfect sense

by ElectricFrank - 2009-11-01 11:11:32

Blood pressure is a combination of the ease with which blood moves through our body and the amount of blood that is being pumped. So in your case getting a pacemaker to correct bradycardia increases your HR and the amount of blood being pumped. If this wasn't true then n meds like beta blockers that reduce the strength of the hearts pumping wouldn't work. The docs that are saying that there is no connection are just spouting what they have been told by someone rather than thinking it through.

If you have had the brady for a fairly long period of time your body has adjusted to it and now may need to adjust to the higher HR.

The other question is how and when is your BP being measured. Getting the pacemaker has exposed you to a whole new medical environment. If the readings are being taken at the docs office I wouldn't rely too much on them. I hope you are taking them at home.

frank

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