Can a pacemaker cause congestive heart failure

[sharimom]

About 18 months ago my husband went to the doctor complaining of fatigue.  His heart rate was in the low thirties.  Three days later he had a pacemaker implanted, his heart rate the day of the surgery was 27.  His EF was normal and he had clear cardio arteries.  His blood pressure was around 145/85-90.  He was walking about 3 miles up and down hill 3 to 4 times a week.  He has never had a heart attack. He is a type two diabetic with an A1C of 5.5 and is overweight.   On new meds his BP dropped to 117/70.  Six weeks ago he went in to his doctor complaining of breathlessness during heavy exercise.  He was still walking and gardening without trouble.  His EF was 37.  His cardiogram showed clear arteries and no sign of a heart attack.  He has just had a bi ventricular pacemaker placed and a defibrillator.  He is also on new meds for congestive heart failure.  My question is this, could the congestive heart failure he has now been diagnosed with have been caused by the first pacemaker?  It is unsettling not understanding why this is happening.

[Flycaster305]

This is a very interesting topic to me.  We all have different histories.  In my case, my Biometric pacer really helped after it was inserted.  However, it had to be re-programmed when I had to have new procedures, such as stents and by-pass surgery.  My by-passes failed and it was re-programmed, and eventually had a new stenting procedure.  After the latest stent, my heart condition deteriorated, and was diagnosed with CHF after a blood test showed stage 4 heart failure.  My Cardiologist huddled with some Electro-doctors from Albert Einstein School of Medicine and Cleveland Clinic, and my pacer was adjusted again.  I have absolutely no idea what they did, but relief was instantaneous.  As I'm due for a new pacer because of the age of it, my doctor ordered that I get a pacer that would stimulate both ventricles.  I'm just a heart patient, I don't understand the science, but thought my experience would help those of you researching this issue.  I'd say this, pacers really help, but need to reprogrammed very regularly.    

[azgenereaux]

My mom had some problems with low heart rate and an unstable heart rate, but was other than that in good health and active and healthy breathing. She got a pacemaker installed and within weeks had not only a heart attack but also congestive heart failure and is now on diuretics and watching salt intake and has been in and out of the hospital with this issue and is constantly dealing with breathlessness. So I've been going online to research (both in the always helpful Pubmed database - an accurate resource) and just in google. I've found several recent studies that show that pacemakers do indeed cause heart failure. Various studies show which ones are the worst - VVI are notorious. Also, right-side stimulation type pacemakers are really bad for causing heart failure. In normal people, the left side is stimulated before the right - here are some links to explanations and studies that I've jotted down so far:
This page describes what goes on to cause heart failure:

http://www.secondopinionnewsletter.com/Health-Alert-Archive/View-Archive/1284/Pacemakers-May-Cause-Heart-Failure.htm

It mentions a study (below) that goes into detail:

http://rwjms.rutgers.edu/medicine/divisions/cdh/research/midas/documents/AmJCard671.pdf


This is the study mention VVI pacemakers as being more dangerous:

http://eurheartj.oxfordjournals.org/content/25/1/88.full

I would love to hear from anyone who has discovered further information. I will continue to research this.

[salemnic]

Yes, a pacemaker can cause heart failure. It happens due to a desynchronization or the left and right ventricle due to continuous pacing. From what I have read it.

I have a congenital av block and it happens in 1 in 8 pacemker implementations with this condition. Biventricle pacing is the recommended solution along with lifestyle changes.

Hopefully all is well with you and your husband now that it is a few years down the road. My own biv pacemaker goes in next month.

Cheers. G

[Encephalomalcia]

Beta blockers can cause breathlessness, so it could be the new medication.  I am curious as to what medications he is taking for his heart.  Some heart medications can make the heart worse in some people.  The EF is getting low, so be careful.  What about his valves?  What kind of shape are his valves in?  Ask your doctor about how strong his heart is, to make sure that the heart pump is not wearing down.  Pressure can builds up in the heart even though the BP is in the correct range and this weakens the heart pump.  Exercise can make a CHF person feel better, but on the other hand can be dangerous if the heart pump is weak.  Be careful and ask your doctor lots of questions and press for real answers.  

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

Many disease processes can impair the heart to cause congestive heart failure. The most common causes of congestive heart failure are: coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, longstanding alcohol abuse, and disorders of the heart valves. Less common causes include viral infections of the stiffening of the heart muscle, thyroid disorders, disorders of the heart rhythm, and many others.

It is also important to know that in patients with underlying heart disease, taking certain medications can lead to the development or worsening of congestive heart failure.  Examples of such medications are the commonly used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, which include ibuprofen and naproxen as well as certain steroids, some diabetic medication, and some calcium channel blockers. Any one of these causes may be the culprit and not the previous pacemaker. It would be best to discuss this with your doctor to alleviate your anxiety.

Take care and regards.