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Interventional Cardiology (Expert Forum)
NEED HELP!
Answered by
Truman Medical Center
MO
Questions in the Interventional Cardiology forum are answered by medical professionals affiliated with the Truman Medical Center. Topics covered include acute coronary syndrome, angina , atrial fibrillation , cardiac catheterization , cardiomyopathy , drug abuse & cardiac disease, echocardiography , heart failure , hypertension & heart disease , lipid management , minorities and heart disease, peripheral vascular disease prevention, valvular heart disease , women’s heart health, and the warning signs of a heart attack.
NEED HELP!
by 616143, May 20, 2008 02:11PM
Hi I am a 29 year old female in relatively good health. Last August I was hospitilized with chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. When I was hooked up to a heart monitor I was told I had a first degree block and then they said they saw it in a second degree. My first night in the hospital I was woken up in the middle of the night because my heart rate dropped into the 30's. There was talk the next day of possibly giving me a pacemaker. I was sent home a few days later with pepcid, gotta love kaiser, and still having symptoms. I have been hospitalized two times since with the same symptoms. My cardiologist has done several echos, all were normal, holter monitor that showed 2nd degree block, and several blood tests. I am currently waiting for a tilt table test, a 21 day monitor, and possibly an ep study. What is the liklihood I will need a pacemaker? What other alternatives do I have for treatment? Please answer me honestly.....My Dr's all say I am very young for a pacemaker and dont want to do it unless absolutely necessary.
Doctor's Answer
by Douglas Bogart, MD, May 23, 2008 07:40AM
, May 23, 2008 07:40AMTo: 616143
It depends on the type of second degree block you have whether you will need a pacemaker. If the block is at the AV node and not below it is unlikely you will need a pacemaker. If exercise makes the block go away it is unlikely you will need a pacemaker.
