New diagnosis, sick sinus syndrome

I have bradycardia (slow heart rate), so I know it can be scary, especially THAT low. I'm glad you have to be in limbo only another day or so (that is difficult to go through, too, I know). The cardiologist is the only one who can give you good answers. I'm merely another patient, so I could be entirely wrong, but it sounds like worst-case might be a pacemaker at some point. They are not as scary as some other things. 😉

Hi @ryman,

May I ask, how was your appointment with the cardiologist? I sincerely hope everything went well; do let us know if you'd like to share or if you have any questions.

Thank you for your replies. I am a bit anxious which I guess doesn't help. The cardiologist gave me three choices. I can wear an event monitor for a few weeks, I can have a monitor implanted which would be read every 4 weeks or I can have a pacemaker. My family and I have discussed it and agreed to go with the pacemaker now rather than later. My primary doctor agrees I should have it done. My heart rate is a little erratic tonite and I worry some about going to sleep.

Who wouldn't be "a bit anxious"?! And nervous about going to sleep. A lot of us here have erratic heartbeats, I'll bet, and we're all still waking up every morning, and I'll bet you will, too. Wear the CPAP! (I have one, too, so I know how odious they are, but if it helps....)

Sounds like you've made a smart and brave decision. It will help you feel less anxious and protected, too -- I hope.

Yes, thank God, I did wake up this morning. I know a lot of people deal with this every day. I probably wouldn't be so afraid if it weren't for the sleep study episode. They were pulling on me and yelling at me and rushing me down to the ER. I have another sleep study this Tuesday! So we will see. I am not sure I need the CPAP yet. My grandson wears one and it helps him a lot.

Hello! I am new here and hoping to get some answers and/or help! I am 60 years old and on my second pacemaker. I have the in home monitor that sends readings automatically. Recently I received a phone call from my cardiologists office saying my pacer sent an alert that my heart was beating too fast. When I went for my visit she said it actually had sent 5 alerts. They asked if I was having chest pain and I told them I had but thought it was just indigestion. My cardiologist put me on Metoprolol. I have done nothing but sleep since taking it!! I can’t stay awake. I even take it before bedtime. I went back to the office because of being so tired and was told by his physician assistant to continue the medicine and then scheduled me for a stress test. I went yesterday and was called by my doctor office everything came back fine. I called back to ask since it was fine so I continue the medicine. She said yes because I have sick sinus syndrome and that’s why he gave it to me. Well he didn’t tell me that!!! Anyway she is going to ask him and let me know for sure. I asked what caused the alerts and she told me to call back next week and talk to the pacemaker specialist. The reason I had to have a pacer in the beginning was because my heart rate was in the 30’s.....bradycardia. I’m upset and confused!! I absolutely cannot stand being this tired!! I can’t function like this!!! My question is what would you do? Does anyone else take this medicine? Does it make you this tired? Thank you!!!

Hello @judylynn,

Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear about your symptoms, and so glad that you've joined the Connect community. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with this existing discussion on sick sinus syndrome, as I thought it would be beneficial for you to be introduced to other members who have discussed much of what you are experiencing.
If you are replying by email, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY so that you can read through some of the earlier messages and meet some of our other members talking about their or their or their loved ones' experiences.

@cherfenn @incrediblemulk98 have also discussed heart rhythm issues like sick sinus syndrome, and I'm certain they will have more insights to share with you.

Here’s some information from Mayo Clinic that might help:
Sick Sinus Syndrome – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sick-sinus-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20029161
Beta blockers (Metoprolol) – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/beta-blockers/art-20044522

With regard to Metoprolol, we have several discussion you may wish to view:
– New to Afib, warfarin and metoprolol (beta blocker) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-to-afib-warfarin-and-metoprolol-beta-blocker/
– stopping Carvedilol (Coreg): When will the effects wear off? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-everyone-i-am-glad-to-be-a-part-of-this-community/
– Afib & PVC's https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/afib-pvcs/

I'd also like to invite Mentors @hopeful33250 and @predictable to share their thoughts about this medication.

@judylynn, have you asked your doctor if you could switch to another beta blocker?

Hello and thank you very much!!
I asked my cardiologist yesterday and he told me to cut my dose to half of what I was taking but today I’m still just as tired! He told me he didn’t want me to quit taking it because it is very good for a heart with a pacemaker.

@judylynn . I have a pacemaker since the beginning of january. yesterday I asked my cardiologist, whether I should reduce my metoprolol , because I noticed an inadequate adaption to exercise, like cycling. I shouldn't do that, he said , as it is the most important medicine you take, . you did not mention which tablet you take and how much. I take the prolonged-release tablet 50 mg twice daily. this dosage form guarantees a steady blood level.
yoanne

This is what my bottle reads.......Metoprolol Succinate Er 24hr 25 Mg tab Dr. R
They called me back and told me to continue taking a half a tablet. I just woke up from going to bed at 10pm. It is 12:30.