Heart Monitor?

SweetiePie

Hi.  DH is a healthy 78 year old, stage 6, not yet incontinent.  He has always had a slow heart rate and has done Holter heart monitoring twice in the distant  past with no issues found.  Two weeks ago he had a fainting episode probably due to painful stomach cramps and straining (constipation).  Went to ER, no problems found, but his heart rate on admission was lower than usual.  PCP is now suggesting a two week heart monitor.  I am concerned that a pace maker may be recommended.  He doesn't show any signs of light headedness, but in the past several months has been sleeping more and slowed down on our walks, which I put down to disease progression.

I am interested to hear how others have managed the "to treat or not to treat" dilemma.  DH is very healthy, no chronic diseases, will probably suffer through stage seven.  He has an advanced directive which in general says no intervention.  Thanks for any thoughts on the subject.

Stuck in the middle

I think I would follow his wishes as stated in the advance directive, and decline the monitor.  Even absent the advance directive, I think I would rather die in my sleep from cardiomyopathy than die from AD.  Stage 7 is pretty ugly.

toolbeltexpert

Sweetiepie  I can't offer any experience, we are not as far along. My dw is 68 and she has what I consider a slo heart rate. 49 and sometimes a little lower. She isn't taking any med. She also is as healthy as a horse. Still waiting for an official dx. I am struggling whether or not to have her take BP medicine because it can possibly prolong her life. But what will those 2 years be for her? She talks about suicide all the time that's why I finally got her to a doctor so she can get something for that. this is such a difficult decision. I'll listen to what the others have to say.

M1

I would agree with Stuck and decline the monitor.  Death from a cardiac arrhythmia is not a bad way to go.  You have a good explanation for the fainting episode, I would not seek another one.  I've been in situations where a pacemaker had to be turned off to let someone die and they are not pretty.

I'll gently challenge you a little bit in your thinking--he's not really as healthy as you think.  He has a terminal illness.  He has an advanced directive.  He's told you what he wants.  I would honor it.  

Battlebuddy

   Most advanced directives say no extraordinary measures to prolong life. In my opinion, a pacemaker would fall into that category.  

   Stage 7 is not a fun stage. A quick heart attack would be a blessing. 

    People with Dementia have episodes of Syncope . Maybe it’s just that? 

     Honor the advanced directive . 

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