Getting Pacemaker soon. But in the meantime I am having difficulty breathing.

[jbaird1947]

My pulse rate just decreased more than half over a week ago and at rest is about 35 bpm and sometimes drops under 30 bpm..  My heart doctor has determined I need a pacemaker.  In the meantime I am having great difficulty breathing and in my circulation.  Is there any thing I can do until I get my pacemaker?

Thank you 

[jeanjeannie50]

You really need to speak to your GP ASAP, or cardiologist and let them know how low your heart rate is going. Below 30 sounds too low to me and I know I would want reassurance that this was ok.

Jean

[PeterWh]

Don't ignore that. You don't know how long you need to wait for pacemaker. Suggest you call 999 and then that way things will get sorted sooner. There are interim options to help you. 

[jeanjeannie50]

Inspiring Ectopic1 and good for jbaird1957 to read.

Jbaird1957 please let us know how you get on.

[seasider18]

Mine was normally in the 40's with drops to the mid 30's and with 3.5 second gaps between heart beats. I was told that I needed a pacemaker as a matter of some urgency. That turned out to be seven weeks.

Another patient that day had been found to have a heart rate of 25bpm when he had a pre assessment for a hip replacement. He did not know how long it had been like that and said that he had not  been symptomatic.

[Icenae]

I had this problem too. Luckily got my pacemaker fairly quickly. You need to increase your breathing rate when feeling faint to oxygenate your blood. But you must present to A&E if your breathing is bad or faint.   Dont just grin and bear it. Phone the consultants secretary and tell them you are suffering too, otherwise they will assume you are coping. More fuss quicker action in my experience.  The pacemaker is a big help. Best of luck.  

[micwal93]

I'm quite worried myself about low heart rate. Mine is quite sporadic. My dad recently went into hospital as he passed out from an irregular heart beat, and now I feel a bit woozy. My heart dips below 60 at rest quite frequently, it's disconcerting and not sure whether it's the reason I'm feeling lightheaded or not.