How does recovery look after a pacemaker for bradycardia?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father's heart rate was low, and he experienced fainting (syncope) twice. The doctor recommended a permanent pacemaker for bradycardia. After the pacemaker implantation, he was fine for 45 days, but now his pulse rate fluctuates rapidly between 70 and 100, along with occasional chest pain lasting one to two minutes.

The doctor has prescribed Ivabradine and mentioned that he has some tachycardia. What could be the reason for these complications?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

This is likely part of a syndrome called tachy-brady syndrome. In this condition, patients sometimes experience a slow heart rate and other times a fast heart rate. The slow heart rate is managed by the pacemaker, while the fast heart rate requires medications like Ivabradine. It is usually not a worrisome issue but requires ongoing medication.

If these episodes are occurring frequently, it is advisable to have Holter monitoring or an ECG (electrocardiogram) during periods of high heart rate to optimize the medications. Given his age and the chest pain, it would be prudent to perform tests to check for blockages, such as stress thallium or CT (computed tomography) coronary angiography.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.