Why constant fatigue?

[ArtCheeSr]

I am unclear on my heart condition. Have always had a low resting HR - 54 bpm. I thought it had developed from my younger days as an athlete & meant I had a strong heart. I am 71 now, and after experiencing several episodes of ATRIAL FIBRILLATION was diagnosed with Tachy-Brady Syndrome. A PACEMAKER was inserted with a feature to discourage A-FIB, which did not occur during the 4.5 years with that PM. New PM was installed last year, and I NOW have reoccurring episodes of A-FIB. Different Cardiologists installed the 2 PMs, how do I learn if the 2nd PM had the same anti A-FIB feature or not?
I also had triple by-pass 2 years ago, and am now constantly fatigued. I work out at the gym but have no stamina or endurance. After any exertion it takes me two days to recover. Feels like the by-pass surgery did not correct all the problems.

[ArtCheeSr]

Good suggestion to contact PM manufacturer & inquire about the features of the two PMs. That should tell me a lot.
Had last Stress Test 2 months after by-pass surgery 2 years ago. Did not do well, but was attributed to lack of exercise. I have a history of exercise - off & on - more than most anyone that I know, so that does not "fit".  Will continue to pursue the core of my problems.
Thanks

[ArtCheeSr]

Thanks for your response. I DID ask my current cardiologist about having recurrent episodes of A-Fib with replacement PM, and was told that it was just "coincidence"; that my heart is getting larger with age. He had previously done a sona-gram of my heart and made no mention of enlarged heart (that I remember), but when he did my 2nd PM check, he criticized the actions of the doctor/technician that had done the previous PM check when it was HE. Former cardiologist had commented that the wall between the chambers was larger than normal, but of no real consequence, AND that I had a strong heart. Am feeling that my cardiologist is generalizing my condition.

[Flycaster305]

I would suggest you determine both the make and model number of your previous and present pacemaker.  The next step would be to call the present pacemaker manufacturer and ask for a comparison of features.  If they have the same features, then in all probability the present one isn't programmed correctly, or possibly your heart function has changed.
That being said, the fact that your increased fatigue approximated the time of your bypass suggests a need for a stress test.  Have you had one recently?  I'm about your age, and find working out on the same machines at the same level has had great benefit to my heart health.  When I have felt a change, it led to interventions that have been very beneficial.  Keep us informed.

[kenkeith]

Implants can be a pace maker to maintain a normal rhythm, and a recovery feature to restore a normal rhythm from A-FIB. If you are having A-FIB and it has rr, the unit may need to be re -programed or the the unit does not have that feature.  Regardless, you should contact your doctor to get the information you are asking.

If your system is not supplying an adequate source of oxygenated blood to the skeletal muscles there will be fatigue.  You should try and get the underlying cause for the fatigue as it appears you are not in any condition from lack of exercise.

Thanks for sharing and if you have any further questions you are welcome to respond. Take care.