Seymour, IN
A 51-year-old female asked:
I have dcm and bi vent pacemaker. is it possible that if i had too much salt i can have shortness of breath? within how many hours of eating?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Bennett Werneranswered
Cardiology 45 years experience
Not: Salt draws in fluid. People with dcm don't handle excess fluid well. That's why diuretics like lasix(furosemide) are used. If a single meal with extra salt causes you to tip over into decompensated chf, you need an adjustment in your overall regimen. It's not a 1:1 ratio with a fixed time course like a the effects of a drug.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. John Garneranswered
Cardiology 17 years experience
Couple of days: By ventricular pacemaker can improve symptoms for up to 70% of people who receive one, however it does not prevent heart failure from existing. If you eat too much salt, your body will retain fluid the same way as any other heart failure patient. The effects are usually seen within 12 to 48 hours.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated May 12, 2018
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