12 week post pace maker ejection fraction down from normal to moderately impaired - 37% and consultant doesn't know why?

[Elizabeth567]

Anyone else know any reasons why their ejection fraction could lowered shortly after having a 2 lead pacemaker? My EF was normal limit pre post maker, but 12 weeks in, it's 37%. Consultant says hes "confused" and seeking second opinion on my echo. Pre MRI showed normal structure of heart as did two previous echoes. Echo now showing left ventricular systolic dysfunction at 12 weeks post pacemaker! Reason for pacemaker was for a heart block with no other causation of heart issue found. Thank you.

[Suetry]

I found your post very interesting and would be interested to know what your specialist says. I also had the 2 lead pacemaker fitted for heart block and have now developed heart failure with reduced ef and no explanation has been given. Keep safe and strong.

[Elizabeth567 in reply to Suetry]

After doing my own research (please see reply to fantasyfanuk), I'm pretty sure its going to end up as left ventricular systolic dysfunction caused by the 2 lead pace maker and requiring upgrade to a 3 lead pace maker/biventricular pacing. I will post my outcome when its confirmed too. Fantasyfanuk's reply is very helpful too. Best of luck with your g.p discussion.

[fantasyfanuk]

This is what happened to me too but I now have a 3 lead pacemaker which has made a huge difference and I no longer have heart failure. In my case the ventricles had got out of synch with each other and the extra lead sorted this out. I am not saying this is the same for you and Suetry but it is certainly worth exploring. It took me nearly two years and a change to a bigger hospital to get a diagnosis, as the original local consultant/hospital seemed to think my continuing breathlessness, feeling faint and feeling ill most of the time was mainly due to anxiety and that I should be fine because the pacemaker was working ok. They ignored the deterioration in my ability to do anything and I needed to push hard to get that across to medical staff. Eventually I researched cardiologists in the nearest city and got the gp to refer me to one of them. He has been great and reordered lots of tests until he found the problem. The heart failure disappeared and I am much less breathless than for years and am able to be more active (though not so much in this weather!). All this was just before the virus struck and I wish you all the best in finding what your problem is as quickly as possible.

[Suetry in reply to fantasyfanuk]

Than you so much for your reply. Will definitely follow this through with my gp. Xx

[Elizabeth567 in reply to fantasyfanuk]

Thanks very much for this reply. I'm very sorry to hear that it took so long to find out what was wrong for you, and that it was you that had to be proactive in this regard! Delighted to hear your outcome though. Your story is the same as mine. Since posting on here, I've actually found research papers which say this can happen to around 9% - 13% of people, especially those with better function pre- pace maker! So I'm confused why both yours and my consultants didn't know what this could be - given the data available. My plan is to go to my g.p and ask for a transfer of care to another cardiologist and or teamwho may have further knowledge in this area.

Thanks again and best wishes for your health.

[Elizabeth567]

Link to a paper tehj.springeropen.com/artic...

[Suetry]

Thanks very much.

[fairgo45]

I'm in the position of needing a pacemaker but I have bradycardia and CAD my cardiologist has said a pacemaker would reduce my ef and cause cardiomyopathy also heart failure. Do any of you have these conditions and does the 3 lead do the trick

Thanks Janet