Dear Doctor,
You have helped in the past and I appreciate your on-line opinion. I have a Medtronic Dual Chamber Sensia PM. Implanted 10/07 for Symptomatic 2nd Degree AV block. I have had a normal Echo post PM implant, worn an Event monitor, worn 24hr Holter, and had Nuclear Stress Test that I was told showed no "Blood Flow Problems"...although I did exhibit Bigeminy that made me feel sob- I requested to stop the treadmill ( d/t being frightened) and proceeded with Persantine stress.
PMH- 55 yo post-menopausal. IST, HTN,IBS, Anxiety/Panic attacks 30+ yrs ago.
I will meet with my EP Doc on 1/15 to discuss formally the Holter and Stress results but I was told by his Pacer Clinic nurse via telephone that the "arrythmias" I am experiencing during activity and that coincide with my symptoms are actually Pacing episodes, and that I am one of the minority that can feel it kick in.
What I have been experiencing is an increase in heart rate to about 100-110 with position change (but sometimes happens at rest or wakes me up) I get a couple of heavy beats then HR slows down (I think this is when pacer kicks in) but it feels VERY uncomfortable , like my heart will pound out of my chest and throat-I can feel it near my Rt clavicle too. I feel like I have to sit down to rest.
My question/concern- I had a co-worker (former cardiac nurse) listen to my heart during one of these episodes-she said I had a "gallup" that sounded like "Tennessee". When the episode settled down the "gallup" disappeared. She scared me with talk of "stiff ventricle". Never heard this before PM, could that be causing it since its only heard when PM kicks in? I will mention it to my EP but value your opinion as well. Thankyou