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Interventional Cardiology (Expert Forum)
REPLACING IMPLATED PACEMAKER
Answered by
Darcy Green Conaway, MD - General Cardiology, Echocardiology
Truman Medical Center
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.
REPLACING IMPLATED PACEMAKER
by JEANNA39, Apr 22, 2008 05:08PM
FOR ANY OF THE DOCTORS -
I am a 68 year old female, diagnosed 3 years ago with SVT, CHF, and Sick Sinus Syndrome. Last week my cardiologist told me that my heart is only working at 37% and I have about 2.5 years left on my pacemaker. Would I benefit from a combination pacemaker/cardioverter when it is time to replace my pacemaker? Thank you, ***@****
I am a 68 year old female, diagnosed 3 years ago with SVT, CHF, and Sick Sinus Syndrome. Last week my cardiologist told me that my heart is only working at 37% and I have about 2.5 years left on my pacemaker. Would I benefit from a combination pacemaker/cardioverter when it is time to replace my pacemaker? Thank you, ***@****
Doctor's Answer
by Darcy Green Conaway, MD, Apr 23, 2008 09:19PM
, Apr 23, 2008 09:19PM
A defibrillator does not benefit heart muscle in any way, but it shocks you if you have a dangerous rhythm of your heart. The guidelines use certain criteria for who benefits from a defibrillator. The most important thing is that you would need to be on heart failure medications for 3 months and then reassessed to see if your ejection fraction improves. I would discuss this with your cardiologist.
