Hi,My dad suffers from Diabetes, and has his heart muscle enlarged. Heart works 22%-25% at the moment. All doctors recommend a pacemaker, but scared of the surgery as hes diabetic and An infection might take up. Its like 3-4 years now that My dad hasnt faced any problems. Is this the right time to get the pacemaker installed? And Yes, My Dads age is 55 right now.Thanx a lot!
Hello, Is there any history of chest pain or heart attack? Has angiography been done anytime in the past? First angiography should be done if there are blockages they should be opened. If not and working capacity is this much only, then special type of pacemaker called as AID is indicated and should be put. Surgery is not a big surgery and although infection risk is a bit higher if sugar is well controlled and with antibiotics risk of infection is less. This will protect him from sudden cardiac death. So my advice is angiography followed by AID. Also, lifestyle modification like avoiding fatty, oily and high calorie diet. Have low salt diet and monitor blood pressure regularly once or twice a week. Regular exercises like brisk walking, jogging according your capacity at 30 min a day and 5 days a week. Lots of green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish once or twice a week, avoid meat. Avoid smoking and alcohol if any. There shouldn't abdominal fat deposition or obesity. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.