new symptoms with palpitations

[mlaurel]

I have an ICD for NICD (no zaps). My last echo showed ejection fraction to be normal for the first time in years.(It has been as low as 25%). I have palpitations and pvcs daily and have learned to live with them.  However, recently I have been having episodes of lightheadness, sometimes severe enough to cause me to fall, other times just to make me have to lie down. Tonight I had a sudden pain between my shoulderblades and then the lightheadedness. The pain passed but I am still somewhat lightheaded.  I do have atrial fib. dxed by 30 day monitor a year ago. I take sotalol 120mg 2 x a day.  Could the lightheaded episodes be related to arrythmia? And should I be concerned about them since I have the ICD?  It seems since I got the ICD the doctors just blow me off when I mention any palpitations.

[Darcy Green Conaway, MD]

I think you should have your ICD/pacemaker interrogated immediately to see if you are pacing/sensing  and defibrillating appropriately. It may also be reasonable to wear a Holter monitor for 24 hours to see what your normal rhythm over a day is.  I think you should see a cardiologist immediately to discuss this further as this sounds potentially very complicated.

[mlaurel]

Thank you for your quick response to my question. God bless.