thanks Brooke, my wife, 34 years of age, suffers the similar sinus bradycardia since ASD repair. the average rate per min is around 50, much lower than 70 before the operation. the lowest rate is 24 on one holter examination and the heart beat stops for 3 seconds as the longest arrest. she in fact feels fatigue similar to the feeling before the operation.
my question is when will she receive the pacer and what kind of the pacer, temporary or permanent pacer would be recommended. is there any opportunity to use temporary pacer to restore the sinus rate so the permanent pacer will not be needed then?
Dr. Wang, psychiatrist
Hello...
The sinoatrial node (SA node) is a group of cells positioned on the wall of the right atrium, near the entrance of the superior vena cava. Cells in the SA node will naturally discharge at about 70-80 times per minute.
Because the sinoatrial node is responsible for the rest of the heart's electrical activity, it is sometimes called the primary pacemaker, the natural pacemaker. If this is what was damaged during your ASD repair, than a pacmaker would be a decent option to keep your heart rate from becoming bradycardic.
Unfortunately, there are no medications to increase your rate. I imagine that you are always feeling fatigued from such a low HR. Hainvg the pacemaker implanted would definitely help you feel more energetic. I hope that you find this helpful:)