My Dad (82 y/o) has a history of two MIs (inferior wall and
right side I believe), is 11 years post-bypass, and about 3
years post ablation (which successfully resolved Atrial
Flutter). He exercises on the treadmill 3X/week. From what I
remember, he had a pretty good cardiac output last time he
had an echo (I think it was around 50%).
Last week, he experienced a dizzy spell and is now in the
hospital. Supposedly, although his ECGs are coming out
normal, a 24-hour halter shows an occasional "skipped beat"
(at least that's the way it was described to my Mom). It is
thought that this is responsible for his dizzy spell. He
shows no signs of heart failure (e.g. edema). I'm told that
his blood work numbers are good.
In any case, he has been seen by a cardiologist and a EP ...
both of whom recommend Pacemaker implantation.
Questions (if they are possible to answer without more
specific medical information):
1. I assume that this is not Bradycardia. What is the actual
medical diagnosis for an occasional skipped beat?
2. Are these things ever transient? Is it possible that if
we give it a few days, it will resolve on its own? I
ask because my Dad wants to have it done and get it
over with.
3. Are there any other treatment alternatives? Could another
ablation resolve this without the need for a pacemaker?
4. Suggestions for other questions I should be asking
the doctor?
5. Does this new "condition" have any implications for his
prognosis? I think it's obvious that it indicates that
his SA node is beginning to lose it's ability to
coordinate his heart rhythm. But does this mean anything
about his heart's overall condition and it's ability to
sustain him for the future? What can we expect? Can
people go for years with pacemakers for problems like
this, or is this likely the beginning of a decline?
Thanks for your help!
Larry E.