Pacemaker & ICDs: Introduce Yourself & Meet Others

I received my Medtronic 2 Lead ICD , 8/23, as a result of Chronotropic Incompetence which was diagnosed during a stress EKG. Prior issues included LBBB in 06 and Afib in 2019 with an ablation in 02/20. Currently age 80, on 5mg Amlodipine, 50mg Losartan, 40 mg Atorvastatin. Location is on my upper left side and I will lay for short periods lay on Left side. My major concern currently is my 95% RV pacing which greatly increases the probability of heart remodeling. My EP is at Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt through the patient portal sends me the quarterly Medtronic history. I have started to really study the numbers. I take these numbers to ChatGPT for an explanation that for me is like talking to a person. There apparently isn’t anything that I can do to offset the high RV pacing % except eat better, exercise etc. The EF/ Ejection Fraction will be the determining factor for additional treatment if the EF drops will be CRT. Bottom line, read and study your reports from the manufacturer of your ICD and be a more informed consumer.

For me my Cardiologist and EP at Vanderbilt have been excellent in answering questions - what few they are. With every visit, I am becoming a more educated patient. What I realize is that very few things are black and white regarding the heart and its electrical system. I now know that with my high RV pacing that this is something to watch. Two weeks ago, I asked my cardiologist about this and he said with my last EF at 50-55 that it appears that my heart is handling the high RV paving %.

I did not handle my initial diagnosis well and at the last minute went to see my cardiologist. He had been the Dept head at vanderbilt and he calmly explained to me, “ yes, I have reviewed the stress EKG and you need to proceed”!! Since then, I have become a better patient by becoming a more informed patient.

@bill0996
I wish I have your EF. Normal is 50-70. Mine is 22%.

You are right on about the electrical systems of the heart and why we need electrophysiologist experience and medical knowledge of the electrical system of the heart.

Looks like you are under excellent care. Good luck but appears you are in good hands.

@jc76 - my best friend died in 8/22 as his EF slowly failed. What I learned from this group is that my electrical problems are minor compared to others. Another best friend with electrical issues is three years into a replacement valve with a pig replacement valve given a five year life expectancy. I have learned to expect the, “well, I don’t know for sure, but if you don’t take this med, go thru this procedure, then….”. My ablation is still holding six plus years later, my ICD is doing what it is supposed to do. Yes, there are side effects with every med, procedure. Etc. - but there are side effects for not doing any thing.

@jc76 - my best friend died in 8/22 as his EF slowly failed. What I learned from this group is that my electrical problems are minor compared to others. Another best friend with electrical issues is three years into a replacement valve with a pig replacement valve given a five year life expectancy. I have learned to expect the, “well, I don’t know for sure, but if you don’t take this med, go thru this procedure, then….”. My ablation is still holding six plus years later, my ICD is doing what it is supposed to do. Yes, there are side effects with every med, procedure. Etc. - but there are side effects for not doing any thing.

Thank you very much for your kind note. Glad to hear an example of someone who is coping well with the sort of situation I find myself in. Is there any kind of Zoom support group for ICD patients?