cardiomypathy

[vavonne]

Can having a pacemaker for a long period cause cardiomyopathy?
do you recommend putting in additional pacemakers and difibulators to help this disease?

[Dwiddle]

kenkeith,

I am aware that implanting a bi ventricular pacer will help low EF and that implanting an ICD will help lower mortality rates due to low EF.  However, I am talking about a dual chamber pacer with the ventricular lead implanted into the apex.  There are many articles about this situation in EP journals.  Look at the Indian Journal Pacing and Electrophysiology article dated 2003 titled "The Effects of Right Ventricular Apical Pacing on Left Ventricular Function".  Also from AHA 2009, Chronic Pacemaker Mediated Cardiomyopathy.  This web site http://doctorrw.blogspot.com/2009/11/aha-2009-chronic-pacemaker-mediated.html

[kenkeith]

<<<<There can be cardiomyopathy and preserved systolic funciton meaning the EF can be in the normal range.<<<<  Obviously, keying in pacemaker and low EF on google,  will provide many hits as the condition (low EF) can cause arrhythmia and implanting a pacemaker would be appropriate.  This procedure can  involve implanting a bi-ventricular pacemaker or a caridoverter-difibrillator. These procedures reduce mortality by thirty six percent and 23 percent respectively...pacemaker doesn't cause cardiomyopathy...If the heart is arrhythmatic that can cause cardiomyopathy, properly pacing the heartbeat helps prevent cardiomyopathy.

[Dwiddle]

I am not a doctor but feel there is a good chance that a dual chamber, demand pacemaker (DDDR) with the ventricular lead implanted into the apex will eventually cause cardiomyopathy.  Just search the internet by typing in "pacemaker low EF" or similar combination and the articles dealing with this issue will be found by the hundreds.  You could read the articles for days.  The key is the implantation of the lead into the apex, not in the outflow tract and only dual chamber pacemakers.  The bi ventricular will not cause the same problem because it has three leads.  The reason I know about this information is because I have had a dual chamber pacemaker for the past 13 years.   First a Medtronic Thera and now an Adapta.  I have also had two ablations, one for AV nodal re entry tachycardia and the other for atrial flutter.  I have had complete heart block for many years and am a 90% pacer.  My EF is now in the low 30's.  Symptomatically I am doing well and still put 20 miles a week in exercising.  Did 5 miles this morning.  Recently ran an 8:34 mile.  Have started taking Coreg.  The goal is to raise the EF to a minimum of 40% to prevent the implantation of an ICD.  I feel positive and at 56 feel there are many good years still left in me.   This information should help and give you a good start on your research.  

[kenkeith]

I've been answering heart related questions for more than 6 years on heart forums, and.  you're new to the forum, and your verbal attack and insult is uncalled for.  Believe it or not, but more than 5000 responses to questions, you are the second or third to talk in the manner you are projecting and usually isn't related to what I said, but more of an ad hominem attack.  I think that says more about you than my responses being mumbo jumbo (at least make sense with the English language) and make an intelligent response that can be interpreted and answered.  If I make a mistake it isn't the first time:)
If you have something specific that I have said, and you don't understand, don't call it  mumb jumbo.  I will take the time to explain it to you!  

[kenkeith]

Cardiomyopathy results from an abnormal heart wall that has become thickened or dilated. Proper timing of the heart's beat would not cause heart muscle damage. Proper pacing of heartbeats with a pacemaker can prevent cardiomyopathy.