Pacemaker update

[fairgo45]

After getting my head round having a pacemaker I've just had contact from my cardiologist who has changed his mind .

He says because I have Bradycardia

and also had a stent recently because of a blockage my Cardio vascular disease with a Pacemaker is not so black and white

CAD, and diabetes are the most important predictors for worse prognosis in PM recipients. Without baseline heart disease, survival rates equal that of the general population, suggesting that the prognosis of contemporary PM recipients is mainly determined by comorbid diseases and a bradycardia pacing indication as such does not influence a good result.

Has anyone with CAD had a pacemaker successfully implanted without experiencing cardiomyopathy or heart block

[CDreamer]

OK. Good question and would be interested to see any replies.

Is it the combination of both diseases which poses the higher risk? I know people with one or other who have benefited from PM.

So is any alternative suggested to help the bradycardia?

[fairgo45 in reply to CDreamer]

Hi Suzie

Thanks for the PM by the way very interesting I should have replied sooner but my cats been in surgery twice in 3 weeks for ACL injury that went wrong so she's been taking up my time cage rest for 4 weeks is not going to be easy

I was not expecting my cardiologist to do complete turnaround on the pacemaker I'm really disappointed.

He's meant to be ringing me to explain so far not a word.

My GP said these are legitimate problems with one or two lead pacemakers and should ask for 3 lead one .

I didn't know my CAD and bradycardia would make me unable to have a pacemaker.

Hope someone whose been in my place will give some reassurence

[CDreamer in reply to fairgo45]

I agree with your GP re 3 lead. The rest doesn’t quite make sense to me but I know little to nothing about Diabetes & CAD other than they are more susceptible to heart conditions and so more likely to need Pacemaker support.

Etheral’s reply is interesting.

Might be worth looking for a 2nd opinion? And looking at the link Tracy suggested although I’m not sure it would answer your particular query but you always learn something from these things.

[fairgo45 in reply to CDreamer]

Where I live in New Zealand there is one cardiologist mine. he might just be overworked but if neccesary I can go to Wellington for a second opinion.Thing is he's been my cardiologist for 17 years and I don't want to be disloyal but if I'm just left to fend for myself he gives me no choice

[CDreamer in reply to fairgo45]

I forgot you were in NZ, that’s difficult. Would it be possible to see if you could get a telephone consult? Sounds like your GP is routing for you so maybe talk it over with them?

[fairgo45 in reply to CDreamer]

Yes I'm going to go along with my GP she's already rung me and said she has someone in mind for a second opinion. So to be continued.....

[TracyAdmin Partner]

Thank you for the update, if you would like any support, please do not hesitate to contact the A F Association. You may wish to view some of our many patient resources, educational videos or register for our 'Living with a Pacemaker' virtual event? For full details on how to register and learn more, visit heartrhythmalliance.org/afa...

[fairgo45 in reply to TracyAdmin]

Thanks Tracy I will register

[TracyAdmin Partner in reply to fairgo45]

You may also find our patient booklet helpful?

booklet

[etheral]

I personally have not had a PM implanted. In the past I treated many patients with CAD and a PM. I cannot imagine the mechanism that a pacemaker would cause cardiomyopathy. I have not been able to find any mention of this in the online medical literature available to me. People with CAD would be more prone to ischemic cardiomyopathy, however I can't find how this would be related to PM. I would get an opinion from another cardiologist. As far as heart block, the same goes, but in that case the PM should treat the complication. Wishing you the best, etheral

[baba]

Reading replies with interest. I'm not sure I understand his reasoning.