Pacemaker adjustment

[christine1604]

I have had a pacemaker for 4 years and av node ablation 2 years ago. This week at my checkup they turned off the top lead as it hadn't been used for 2 years (since the ablation) & was just watching but using up battery. Since then I've been a bit breathless, they tell me this is coincidence & get checked by GP - which I will when I can get an appointment) . Does anyone know if turning off that lead could affect the amount of pacing of the remaining lead? Or where can I get independent information on this? Thank you.

[EMBoy]

It all depends on the reason you were given a pacemaker in the first place. You might be able to get some information from your pacemaker's manufacturer. They usually have a helpline you could contact, and you would get an expert opinion.

[christine1604 in reply to EMBoy]

Thank you. I'll have a look for a helpline. I was given the pacemaker for SSS & so they could medicate without my heart going too low. Medication didn't suit so they did av node ablation. Because of that the lead going into the atria was just 'watching' but hadn't had to do anything for 2 years so they turned it off as it was still using battery to 'watch'.