A 65 year old male who has had aortic valve replacement and ascending aortic surgery. He came to the emergency room on 5-17-2025 with dizziness and lightheadedness each time he attempted any light activity. In the emergency room he was noted as having a heart rate of 42 beats per minute. His medication carvedilol which can slow down the heart was stopped and he was admitted for observation to the hospital. The next day his heart rate slowed down to 32 beats per minute and he was noted to have a third degree atrioventricular block (complete heart block, a condition where the electrical systems in the top and bottom of the heart do not communicate with each other causing the heart to slow down.). The patient was flown to University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center and had a temporary pacemaker placed. May 18th, 2025 he had a dual chamber permanent pacemaker placement and he was discharged the following with resolution of the dizziness.
Take Home Message: If someone has new dizziness or lightheadedness and pulse rate is low. The electric system of the heart could be malfunctioning.
Please note this is meant for information/reference purposes only and not diagnosis. Evaluation and treatment by a licensed physician is always recommended.
