Anxiety after Implanted Pacemaker

It COULD be anxiety and the adrenergic response that is normally associated with fear or anxiety. But really the tell is if there is a discernible arrhythmia as evinced via ECG or loop recorder or by a physician. Also, the pacemakers these days can be polled via Bluetooth and it will show in the record if you have an arrythmia or tachyarrhythmia. If it gets so bad that you can't get around or past this experience, I suggest you visit a clinic or go to an emergency room and see if they can't put your mind at ease.

@gloaming thanks for your comment, it comes n goes, I nibble into my anxiety pill every time it happens n it seems to go away. My heart stopped completely 3 times a week ago, they had2 pace my heart a few time to bring me back. I hope it's just anxiety for this horrible experience. Thx!

@alfcin61
Did the institution and cardiologist who did your procedure mention and possible set up a remote monitoring device in your home.

That device is designed to send pacemaker activity to your provider. It also can be used when you experience symptoms like yours. Asked about it.

From your post sounds like a lot of mental stress. Mental stress will cause the fight or flight syndrome and can give you the feeling of pounding hear. There are many things to help calm you down both supplements and medications. But stress and anxiety is not good for you both mentally and physically and will cause issues with physical and mental health.

I am surprised when you said you heart stopped. Did you not faint? Do you just have a pacemaker or a ICD/Pacemaker. The ICD would shock you with VFIB. Did your heart actually stop or just go into VFIB?

I have empathy for your stress and anxiety. It will affect your physical health as well as your mental health. Ask your providers about exercises you could do and if you like one try doing it to lesson your stress/anxiety. Can't exercise what about a hoppy. You are looking for an activity that will bring a smile to you and enjoyment.

I support exercise (any level but with coordination with your medical providers). Recently in Mayo newsletter it mentioned the benefits of it as exercise. It stated exercise produces endorphins that make you feel better. This is a benefit for you physically and mentally. Versus having adrenaline spikes because of anxiety/stress. That hormone gets your body ready for the fight/flight hormone even though it is a mental stress/anxiety the brain released adrenaline when under stress and anxiety which can cause many problem both physically and mentally..

Hi Alfredo, I was sent home from the hospital with a home monitoring device and was shown how to set it up. It communicates directly to my cardiologist's office. As suggested above, if you don't have such a device, I would definitely ask about getting one. I can attest that the anxiety is real and that it took me months to get used to the feeling of having a hard object implanted.
Also, I had an appointment with the surgeon who implanted my pacemaker about 7-10 days afterward to make sure everything was healing well and working correctly. Do you have such an appointment scheduled? If not, you can always request to be seen, especially if you have concerns.
Best wishes to you in your journey back to health and happiness!!

@jc76 Hello. Good morning, thank you for your empathy, yes 1st I'd fainted at work, 2nd n 3rd time heart rhythm went down to Zero, they had to pace me a couple of times to bring me back. I'm not sure what VFIB Means. This happened a week ago this past Saturday, I got my Pacemaker placed a day after, everything seemed good after, saw my Cardiologist last Thursday n he said everything was healing good n that my heart n arteries were in Great shape. Started experiencing this last Friday n they did send me a monitor. Hoping to get a hold of my Dr. Today. Thanks for your concern 😊!

@alfcin61 AF = Atrial Fibrillation (may be uncomfortable, but it's not life-threatening)

VF (VFib) = Ventricular Fibrillation (the person needs immediate and urgent care...very dangerous)

@alfcin61 Welcome to Connect! What a frightening experience to have fainted at work, you received good medical care quickly and now have a shiny new pacemaker. Thank you @gloaming, @lak1967, and @jc76 for sharing your knowledge and experiences. Alfredo, you are getting used to your new pacemaker and so is your body, your doctor said that you were healing nicely. Be sure to ask your doctor about the anxiety, which is quite common, he/she may have suggestions. Along with that, anxiety has been discussed and studied, there are articles, studies and discussions you may want to read. Type "mayo pacemaker anxiety" in your browser to see and perhaps read what has been written. I have an ICD named Buddy for arrythmia acquired after electrical issues developed following a septal myectomy. Alfredo, will you be returning to work soon? Have you had heart issues before this experience? Where it is it implanted - there are several types. You may choose to read the following link about pacemakers; it may help generate questions to ask your doctor. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pacemaker/about/pac-20384689

@alfcin61
I am not sure my use of VFIB is on Colleens abbreviation list. I am sure you have aware of AFIB which means the Atrial are in fibrilization.

My abbreviation is to identify my fibrillization is in the ventricles not the atrial. It is called VTAC, tachycardia, etc. When you see V it means ventricles and if you see A it is the Atrial.

What happens to me is my ventricles begins to beat really high about 150. If goes any higher ICD/Pacemaker will try to pace me out. If that does not work I receive a shock. I have had about 15 shocks so you can see my ICD works.

I hope everything works out for you.

@walkinggirl Hello! Yes I had palpitations throughout the past year, I had all kinds of tests, stress test,ECO Of the Heart, Heart monitor, and they couldn't find anything. I had a similar experience 2 months ago fainted 5 times in a matter of 1 hour, got to thr emergency n they went through my wrist n I was diagnosed with Bradycardia, they discontinued 1 of my BP medication that was causing my rhythm to go super low. This time was worst my rhythm went down to Zero as I'd mention. Than God I'm still here. It seems my anxiety kind of went away. I guess I was just scared of the unknown with this horrible experience. Thank God He cleared me to get back to my normal Life n getting back to work tomorrow. Feeling pretty strong. Thx for reaching out🙏😊