Pacemaker problems

[Laurie755]

l am 49 yrs old with a pacemaker which l got in November 2007, because l was told l have Sick Sinus Syndrome. I have had problems with lightheadedness, dizzy & fatigue. My pacemaker has been adjusted 3 times now & l am still having problems, at my last appointment l got to talk to the Doctor for the first time since l got my pacemaker. He told me there is nothing more they can do that it is something l have to live with. I do not get lightheaded as often but when l do now it lasts for 3-4 days & l am not able to do much of anything. This is really upsetting knowing that l have to live the rest of my live like this. My family worries about me so much. It is just so frustrating to know l have to live the rest of my live like this. Do you have any other sugestions for me.


This discussion is related to Pacemaker syndrome?.

[underinformed35]

I am new to pacemakers. I just got one about three weeks ago but mine is set on 70. When my heart rate would go below about 50 before the pacemaker, I would have all the symptoms you describe. My doctor said that is the case with some people and really thought that mine should be set at 70 because of my age and activity level. (I am 36). I think you should try to set yours higher. 70 seems perfect for me and does not keep me from sleeping or relaxing at all. I also have sick sinus syndrome and my heart rate would fluctuate from very high to very low and make me feel very sick, but since the pacemaker I have not had those symptoms anymore. I also have a rate responsive pacemaker so it goes up automatically if my heart rate doesn't when I am active. Do you have that feature on yours? It really helps because sometimes my heart rate would not respond to my activity level.
I hope you get help. You can not live like that forever. You have to just keep pushing them that something is not right!

[Laurie755]

l am not sure what you mean by how much control my pacemaker has but it does only go on if my heart rate drops below 45 but now that they have lowered it to that my blood pressure drop to around 80/40 which really makes me dizzy & very lightheaded along with sweating. I am in pretty good shape & l do housekeeping for a living & when this happens l can't go at all let alone do anything in my own house. When l have a few bad days l am lightheaded about for 3-4 days & almost evry 2-3 hours. I am not if this answers your question .

[Jerry_NJ]

You didn't mention how much control the pacemaker has.  Is the PM a backup, that kicks in if you HR gets too low, or does it run your HR full-time?

There are several people on this Community who have PM and I hope you'll get some good input from them.  

It does seem to me that the device should be adjusted to assure you don't have dizziness problems under normal work-load conditions (standing, walking, light work).