bradycardia and seeking medical attention

I was told last May that I have a bradycardia and one day down the road I will need a pacemaker, I'm currently 37 years old, my question is today I have felt the skips in the heart beat more today and when I feel the heart beat after the break today it takes my breath away. Is this something I need to go to the ER about today or just follow up with my doctor.

[mum2four]

Could you ring the ER and talk to them about it they may have a safer answer than people here could give but either way tell you Dr.

[smf2914]

I have also had bradycardia.  I'm 43.  There is no simple solution to this.  Long-term studies (like a halter monitor study) can show under what conditions this happens for you.  Tracking symptoms with your cardiologist is important.  Another thing, after living with heart disease for 10 years (I had a heart attack when I was 33), I know sometimes symptoms can be a mind-trip.  I become so focused on my symptoms sometimes (and worried) that they grow larger in my mind than they are.  I'm not suggesting this is happening to you, but just telling you my experience.

Hope that this will help a little.

[Brandie51]

I don't mean to pry but what on earth caused you to have a heart attack at such a young age?  I realize that it's not impossible but i would think it's uncommon at 33.

[ksig]

Having long pauses between heart beats can be startling for you.  I can attest to the fact. I have AFib and three years ago I suffered from a sudden onset of bradycardia.  I was hospitalized and taken off all my arrhythmia meds.  A day later, I went into a long AFib run with a heart rate of 200+.  Consequently, I had a pacer put in. That was a great decision.

I would suggest that you talk to your cardiologist and ask for a 30 day monitor to better assess your heart rhythm.  Feeling lightheaded or faint is not fun.  You need to feel better and out enjoying life.  

If you do become lightheaded or faint due to a very slow heart rate before you see your cardiologist, go tot he ER to get checked out.
ksig