What is done for Bradycardia and Tachycardia syndrome- if pacemaker -

@verdine

As of sometime this year, I've been told more than once that Medicare will no longer cover telehealth appointments. Isn't that nationwide now?

I couldn't even get the neurologist's interpretation of the brain MRI she ordered to see if it was something heart-related or otherwise that was causing occasional brief episodes of total blindness over years. (I finally know after 11 years that it is a blood/heart circulation problem.) I couldn't drive where she is, more than an hour away, because I had to quit driving beyond a few blocks at < 35 MPH because of those episodes.

@earther Mary
I have not this issue.
I do have an excellent Supplement Plan but it only pays if Medicare approves.

@gram0322 I am also 77 years old and was diagnosed with a-fib 3 years ago. Now my doctor stated after monitoring my heart rhythm that my regular heartbeat is just too slow and the a fib is no longer evident, but recommends a pacemaker.
I have no pain and am regularly very active skiing in the winter and golfing other seasons . I also strength train at the gym 5 days a week. I feel healthy for my age and have no pain. I am reluctant to get a pacemaker when I feel normal. Of course I do feel my age and adjust my pace accordingly, but am more active than most of my friends. My resting heart rate is in the low 30"s. Again, my concern is that if I feel well..why insert a pacemaker?

At first glance it would seem like you do not need a pacemaker. But there
are some things to consider. Have you worn a heart monitor for an extended
period of time? This can show if your heart is pausing and for how long it
is doing that. If this is happening then a pacemaker would be needed.
Did you ask your doctor what the exact reasons, other than low heart rate,
were for wanting you to get a pacemaker?
I hope this helps.
On Thu, Sep 3, 2026 at 6:51 PM Mayo Clinic Connect < nf+087aa795+142008944@n1.hubapplication.com> wrote:

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> Mayo Clinic Connect
> @vern123
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> mentioned you in comment on Thu, Sep 3.
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> *Message*
> @gram0322 I am also 77 years old and was diagnosed with a-fib 3 years ago.
> Now my doctor stated after monitoring my heart rhythm that my regular
> heartbeat is just too slow and the a fib is no longer evident, but
> recommends a pacemaker.
> I have no pain and am regularly very active skiing in the winter and
> golfing other seasons . I also strength train at the gym 5 days a week. I
> feel healthy for my age and have no pain. I am reluctant to get a pacemaker
> when I feel normal. Of course I do feel my age and adjust my pace
> accordingly, but am more active than most of my friends. My resting heart
> rate is in the low 30"s. Again, my concern is that if I feel well..why
> insert a pacemaker?
> VIEW & REPLY
>
> ------------------------------
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It is good you are active and feeling well.

I had a pacemaker put in when I was 75 years old (75). I had no pain but did have a bit of fatigue and dizziness occasionally. I thought my gradually lowering heart rate was because my heart was getting stronger. I strength train 3X a week (love my deadlifts), did Zumba 2X a week and occasional yoga or walks.

I had made a doctor's phone appointment for Monday. On the Saturday before heart rate was 34 so I called Telehealth, talked to a nurse and went to the hospital. At the hospital my heart rate was 31.
I was admitted, hooked up and Monday had the pacemaker put in.

I'm still lovin' my deadlifts and all the other lifts, pulls, and exercises my trainer throws at me. But that's just me. Your experience may be different. I would ask your doctor the question you pose above and/or get a second opinion. I am not a doctor. All I can offer you is my experience. I'm certain others will too.

Bradycardia is slow heart beat at rest

Tachycardia syndrome is fast heart beat at rest.

I had bradycardia. My pace maker keeps the heart minimum at 60. and
shuts off over 130.
Have had ablation and watchman. Doing fine.

@mfenn any other benefits or problems with your pacemaker? Do you have a better sense of well-being or general energy? Any issues with sleep?

I’m going in for a treadmill monitoring test… next week Thanks for your input.

@bryanta
How is your general sense of well-being? I’m thinking that the pacemaker may provide more oxygen for my body and I will generally feel better… What do you think… Not that I feel bad ,but I am 77.