Pacemaker Malfunction

Question: I had a pacemaker implanted about 4 weeks ago I started experiencing the same symptoms two days ago!? I had a pacemaker implanted because my heart rate was irregular and in the low 30's I was experiencing chest pain, dizziness, etc. Two days ago I started experiencing the same symptoms, my blood pressure is way too high even with my med and I'm waiting on a call from my doctor, can a pacemaker malfunction this soon?

Answer: The problem can be anywhere right from pacemaker or to the electrodes. Better talk it with your consultant immediately.

Question: Can you have an X-Ray with a Pacemaker? Is there any harm in getting a chest x-ray if you have a pacemaker? Would the X-Ray cause it to malfunction? ** I am in a medical class and this is a question on a take-home test. I do not actually have a pacemaker nor will I be getting an x-ray

Answer: Pacemakers are fine. We do chest x-rays with them all the time.

Question: what does this mean? its in english but i don understand? iPods can cause cardiac implantable pacemakers to malfunction by interfering with the electromagnetic equipment monitoring the heart.

Answer: ipods can cause heart pacemakers to not work properly by interfering (messing with) the stuff that makes the pacemaker work. hope that dumbed it down a bit for you :)

Question: Question about artificial pacemakers? Ok, so I'm doing a Research assignment for biology and I have to find out about artificial pacemakers. Can anyone tell me if it is possible to only require pacing in the ventricles rather than in both the atria and ventricles? Can the atria be left to function naturally while only pacing the ventricles? So like if your AV node is malfunctioning, but your sinus node is perfect, can a pacemaker be set only to pace the ventricle, or does a pacemaker HAVE to pace the atria no matter what? Cheers.

Answer: PuNk*RocKA, There are two major types of artificial cardiac pacemakers. The single chamber pacemaker, where only one chamber of the heart is regulated, this usually applies to the ventricles, but may be attached to one of the atria. The dual chamber pacemaker where two leads are used and the information from the atria regulates the contractions of the ventricles. I give a short description of an artificial cardiac pacemaker, which is a small battery-operated computer, called the pulse generator, which is connected to the heart via one or more pacing leads, as I mentioned above. These leads are composed of a coiled metal conductor, insulated with plastic and anchored to the inner wall of the heart with either soft plastic hooks or a very short metal screw. The pulse generator sends an electrical signal down the lead to a bare metal electrode, which is fixed against the heart, and the targeted heart chamber is prompted to contract. The system relies on feedback, which means the artificial pacemaker 'listens' to the heart and supplements the heart's natural rate. For example, the heart rate of a person with sick sinus syndrome may not increase during physical exertion. The artificial pacemaker recognises this and boosts the heart rate to an appropriate level. In order to do this, the pulse generator may have sensors to detect physical exertion. Such sensors may detect activity or changes in breathing. ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM - AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. - MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED. It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms. The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. I add a link with details of this subject http://www.americanheart.org/ presenter.jhtml?identifier=4676 Hope this helps matador 89

Question: Is it odd for a 30YO female to have sinus arrhythmia/sinus dysfunction? Most info is for seniors.? Not an overweight but an otherwise rather healthy and active person, experiencing not the sinus arrhythmia that occurs from respiration but the kind that occurs from sinus node malfunction. Sometimes the thing just doesn't fire or fires all crazy like. The joys of the arrhythmia types (basically whichever, whenever it chooses) and the 'consequences' (like fainting) are endless but would prefer to experience that joy less often. Almost all the info about dealing with this issue is for seniors. I'm having trouble finding info for young people with this issue without another condition or disease of some kind causing or playing party to it. Pacemaker surgery is what is recommended for seniors but is a pacemaker what is needed for this condition at 30? Is there not any other way to help correct or mitigate the condition?

Answer: It's certainly possible for a 30 yo person to have it, though it IS uncommon. Without knowing anything else about you, your health history, meds, etc., I'd wonder if your heart has ectopic foci or has a wandering pacemaker near your SA node, which would definitely cause your sinus arrhythmia. I'd look into talking to a cardiologist and getting an electrophysiology study (EPS) done, and see if the ectopic areas (areas where your heart shouldn't be using as a pacemaker if your SA node is fine) can be ablated.

Question: The Best Prayer for a Loved One...? My beloved mother is very ill. She's been in and out of hospitals for the past year or two because of her heart. Last summer, she had a defibrilator wired to her heart (sort of like a pacemaker). But it's not really working, and fluid builds up in her body, causing her kidneys to malfunction. They also have to watch her blood pressure and diabetes. She's in her 70's; but still spunky and mentally sharp. After several non-surgical procedures and various prescriptions, she's back in the hospital now, after falling and fracturing her tailbone (a small medical procedure healed this). Today, her kidney specialist told me her only hope is dialysis. We were hoping to avoid this, as it can make a person very weak; especially someone with her medical conditions. She also has to do physical therapy. I have my father, 1 sister and 3 brothers. We're not ready to let her go & she's fighting all the way--"kickin' & screamin'" she said. What's the best prayer for God to answer?

Answer: The best prayer is in God's will. Healing is in His will so it is good. Next, just be sincere with God. Talk to Him as if he were standing by you, as He is. I find most of my prayer is just talking to God, asking him to do things, as well as listening to Him. I will pray for her healing, and that all of the caregivers will have wisdom what to do, as well as she and the family will have God's wisdom on what to do. In the Name of Jesus.

Question: how much should i sue for? in august i had a pacemaker/defibrillator installed, which i had problems with. in october, i had surgury to replace the faulty pacemaker. last week i recieved a notice stating what were the malfunctions and risk of the device. my doctor told me, that not only was the divice faulty, but the never removed it, instead the just added another. she then told me i have a major lawsuit on my hands, and i can sue for alot of money. i called a lawyer, which told me that i can do a "double suit," and that this is a definate win. so my question is, how much should i sue for? see, i have this little pet peeve, that i cant put a price on my own life.

Answer: Well, it's not like you can pick a number out of the sky -- or take opinions on YA -- and then get it. You have to have a lawyer, who likely has experienced staff who can decide what the appropriate demand amount is, and then he or she will likely work with the manufacturer and hospital, etc., to get an equitable settlement that everyone is happy with. Consult a professional. Anything you get here will be worthless speculation.