PACEMAKERS

[JMF1]

At what stage of heart failure do the fit a pacemaker having trouble with medications to increase my pulse rate.

[cotonh]

Hi, I think a pacemaker is considered when the "pacemaker" cells of the heart are not pulsing the heart at an appropriate rate. A pacemaker is then fitted to pace the heart, I guess it depends on why your pulse rate is low whether or not a pacemaker is appropriate and will be offered.

The difficulty with the medications for heart failure seems to be that it takes so long to work out what is best for each person and it is often the "side effects" (tiredness, low blood pressure, slow pulse rate etc. ) which are the main signal to the person prescribing the medication that, for this person, this medication or this dosage needs changing.

[RufusScamp]

For me it was about a year, because I was reluctant, but it will depend on the exact nature of your condition, and the availability of appointments. Your cardiology dept, are probably best placed to advise you, or your GP.

[Deejay62]

Hi I had all sorts of arrhythmias going on so my journey of ablations began. In the end it was coming out of my AV node so it was suggested I have a pace and ablate. Which is pacemaker fitted then my AV node ablated, as the atrial tachycardia was coming out of it and it was causing my heart to fail more. I had a 3 lead device fitted, a CRT-P, to help my heart function. That was 8 years after I was first diagnosed with heart failure of EF43% and that was 21 years ago.

It all depends on your individual situation (your heart condition), and what’s going on at the time for you as an individual.

I must add I’ve known 2 people who’s pulse rate was very low and they were immediately fitted with devices.

[Skertchly]

when you collapse unconscious in my case. I didn’t ask for one.