My husband has dilated cardiomyopathy

[Lizallwood]

Hi, my husband was diagnosed in 2013. He had to leave work and now has a pacemaker and defibrillator fitted. The defibrillator shocked him 3 times last week when his heart beat hit 180. I bought a heart monitor for him to wear and today his heart beat went up to 170 for a second when he was sitting down. My husband is 53 and I am really worried that he may be getting worse. Can anyone advise please

[Wodney1966]

That's wot I've got I'm 52 just had to finish work but I've only got icd fitted

[Shar28]

Hello, my husband has DCM too but he doesn’t have an ICD - his choice as he is eligible for one. As I understand it ICDs are regularly monitored by the hospital that fitted it and they will be in touch if they feel action is required. Doubtless other members here will confirm or correct me if I’m wrong. Has you or your husband spoken with them since it fired?

With regard to heart rate monitors they aren’t necessarily all accurate. Have you compared it with a blood pressure machine to see if the heart rates are about the same at the same time? If so I’d suggest speaking with your husband’s cardiology team or the BHF nurses for guidance. All the best for you both.

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

Hi. I have a pacemaker and ICD too. Mine is set to shock if/when my heart rate reaches 200 bpm. Maybe your husband's device's settings could be adjusted, if the shocks he's received were not necessary? (Maybe there's a reason his margins are different from mine or maybe the shocks were necessary - I'm just speculating.) Definitely worth raising these questions (changes to heart rate and settings of device) with his medical team and no point in worrying until you hear answers from them. Could be he just needs an adjustment to medication or similar, or could be external factors causing a temporary raise in heart rate. I know from my own experience that it's hard not to worry about every symptom, but only the professionals will be able to give you any useful advice really. Good luck x