25 yr. old needing a pacemaker.

[angela]

I am a healthy 25 yr. old female who has been diagnosed with neurocardiological syncope.  I am confident that I was accurately diagnosed as the symptoms that goes along with it I have had my entire life.  Question is:  Is there an alternative treatment to this besides a pacemaker?  Most people associate pacemakers with older patients.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Most patients with this disorder do not currently get pacemakers. Usually the disorder is treated with medications such as beta blockers. Liberal salt and fluid intake are also sometimes advised.

[JC]

Angela,

I'm a very active and otherwise healthy 29 y/o male with the same condition.  I have been on several different medications (Pindolol, Atenolol, Florinef, ProAmetine to name a few) for over two years and nothing seems to work for me.  I'm going in for a temporary pacer in a few weeks.  I will have a tilt-test administered before and after the temporary pacer.  I have always had a positive tilt-test.  If I feel better with the pacer and "pass" the tilt test, then I will have a pacer permanently implanted.  The reason my cardiologist is recommending the pacer is because I have not responed to medication.  My cardiologist said approximately 60-70% of the people with nuerocardiogenic syncope feel better with the pacer.
I definitely feel that trying all medications recommended by your cardiologist first is the most viable option.

I hope this helps and good luck to you.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

Pacemakers can help in certain instances of neurocardiogenic syncope, though medicines are typically tried first.

[angela]

I too had a positive tilt table test.  I was passed out for approx. 1 minute and 20 sec.  During that time I had a seizure and my heart beat only 6 times in 1 minute and 12 seconds.  I don't know if this is unusual and that is why the pacemaker was recommended before medications.  Please respond and thank you for your help.

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

I would favor pacemaker placement in this circumstance.

[JC]

I have had seizures thought to be directly related to syncope as well.  All of my EEG's have always come back normal.  If you're interested, I'll post here in a few weeks to let you know if they decide to permantly implant a pacer and how I feel after.

[angela]

That would be great JC.  My EEG's have also come back "normal"... please update me on how you feel.

[tiffany foxall]

Hello!!! I have finally found someone close to my age with a similiar problem. I had a Mitral valve replaced for my heart when I was 17 (it will be a year in January). I am on Coumadin tablets three times a day and like Angela these medications do not seem to be working for me. Would anyone know an alternative to replace vitamin k in a diet. Please respond asap!!!!

[Brian RN]

As I have had a pacemaker since I was 11, now 36. I do not understand your concern regarding pacers. Don't get all worked up or set in stone that you should not have one. You must learn to trust your Dr.s advise.