Can a pacemaker fix Left Bundle Branch Block Condition?

Posted by denisern @denisern, Jul 27, 2022

I am wondering if anyone has recieved a pacemaker because of LBBB and an EF of 40? Because of my shortness of breath and palpitations when my heart rate is up the cardiologist thinks a hemodynamic test to see what the blood flow is during this time is may mean I should get a pacemaker, I am hoping the meds will help but wondering if a pacemaker will be the ultimate thing I will need? just wondering about others experiences?

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Hello @denisern

I see that you have recently joined Connect and your conversations have been about heart issues. I can understand your wanting to connect with others about a pacemaker. It is good to hear about the experiences of others.

I would like to invite @danab to this discussion. He had a pacemaker prior to his heart transplant and I'm sure he would be glad to discuss his experiences with you.

Have you already had the hemodynamic test?

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Yes that might me helpful no I have not had the test yet

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Hi @denisern, just wanted to make you aware that I modified the title of your discussion to better reflect the nature of your question. I did this so members have a clear idea at a glance of what you post is about. 🙂

Pros and Cons of Left Bundle Branch Pacing:
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCEP.120.008874
When is your doctor planning on scheduling the test?

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I have not scheduled it I am still researching & we are still titrating meds

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Hello, I had a right heart cath with exercise to check blood flow with rate induced LBBB they told me I was in LBBB even before I started exercising, my EF is 40% & hasn't changed to 8 months. I feel like my general condition has declined & test confirmed I am in severe heart failure, so I have an appointment Tuesday to talk about a pacemaker, does anyone have similar experience? Will insurance pay even with the higher EF? I'd love to hear from others about improving quality of life with a pacer? Thank you!

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@denisern

Hello, I had a right heart cath with exercise to check blood flow with rate induced LBBB they told me I was in LBBB even before I started exercising, my EF is 40% & hasn't changed to 8 months. I feel like my general condition has declined & test confirmed I am in severe heart failure, so I have an appointment Tuesday to talk about a pacemaker, does anyone have similar experience? Will insurance pay even with the higher EF? I'd love to hear from others about improving quality of life with a pacer? Thank you!

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Hi Denise, sounds like you remain on the quest for answers regarding your heart health, and getting a pacemaker with Left Bundle Branch Block. I'm bringing fellow members @markjones @dragonass @dalous who also faced this decision and may be able to share their experiences.

What questions have you prepared and hope to get answered at your upcoming appointment?

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Will I qualify? Will it improve my quality of life? What is recovery like? Are there alot of follow up visits? Will I be able to go back to exercising? Work? Lots of questions?

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Hi... I'm really happy to join this conversation Plus info. Two months ago I was scheduled for Surgery and had an EKG and they found I have a Left Bundle Branch Blockage. I am 69 and Never had any Heart Issues. So...I went through a series of tests and the diagnosis was "Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level. I am very concerned because this is connected with the Covid Vaccines. I was a Nurse and at the time and I didn't want to walk out just because of a Vaccine, so I went through the Vaccines. Does anyone else feel the same?

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I have LBBB along with other heart rhythm issues, also high BNP. I was diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis as a cause and am also being treated for that problem. I had a CRT-D installed and am doing much better. I too was concerned about the vaccine since shortly before my diagnosis I to received the latest dose of the COVID vaccine, however, in talking to all my doctors I have come to the conclusion it is more coincidence vs causation. Good Luck. Hopefully you feel better as I have after ICD/CRT.

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@larryst

I have LBBB along with other heart rhythm issues, also high BNP. I was diagnosed with cardiac sarcoidosis as a cause and am also being treated for that problem. I had a CRT-D installed and am doing much better. I too was concerned about the vaccine since shortly before my diagnosis I to received the latest dose of the COVID vaccine, however, in talking to all my doctors I have come to the conclusion it is more coincidence vs causation. Good Luck. Hopefully you feel better as I have after ICD/CRT.

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Thank you for this information! I am currently undergoing a series of tests and I will definitely mention this to my Dr. I was in the ER on the weekend for shortness of breath, and weakness in my right arm. Because of this they have changed my Appointments to earlier dates. I can't wait to get my energy back! Take care and Happy New Year 2025!

Jeanny

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