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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Unsteadiness And Breathlessness While Having A Pacemaker For Atrial Fibrillation?

I have a pacemaker because of afib, silent heart attack in the past. I feel fine but when walking a short distance I get off balance and short of breath. I have fallen about 3 times so far this year, but no injuries. Just last week I had stress test, echo and ultrasound. Just waiting for the results and talk to cardio dr on the 7 of March. I am 75 and about 25 lbs overweight. very stressed at times, I am full time caregiver for husband with Parkinson s and Dementia
posted on Mon, 27 Feb 2017
Twitter Sat, 24 Nov 2018 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 27 Nov 2018 Last reviewed on
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

If breathlessness is the cause of your unsteadiness then breathlessness is the main symptom that will have to be investigated. Due to your prior medical conditions checking for heart failure or an arrhythmia is indicated. The echo is usually enough for a proper assessment of your heart's capacity. A Holter study may detect arrhythmias.

If unsteadiness is unrelated to the breathlessness then a proper investigation should include ear disorders (spinning sensation with nausea and tinnitus is suggestive), brain disorders (usually lacking tinnitus and nausea) and peripheral neuropathy (exaggerated unsteadiness with closed eyes, improvement with open eyes).

Psychological stress is not enough to justify falls.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis,
Internal Medicine Specialist
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What Causes Unsteadiness And Breathlessness While Having A Pacemaker For Atrial Fibrillation?

Hello, If breathlessness is the cause of your unsteadiness then breathlessness is the main symptom that will have to be investigated. Due to your prior medical conditions checking for heart failure or an arrhythmia is indicated. The echo is usually enough for a proper assessment of your heart s capacity. A Holter study may detect arrhythmias. If unsteadiness is unrelated to the breathlessness then a proper investigation should include ear disorders (spinning sensation with nausea and tinnitus is suggestive), brain disorders (usually lacking tinnitus and nausea) and peripheral neuropathy (exaggerated unsteadiness with closed eyes, improvement with open eyes). Psychological stress is not enough to justify falls. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist