Living with Lupus: My Journey to a Pacemaker

By Susan Hendrix

Living with lupus means living with uncertainty. Every day brings its own set of challenges—from fatigue to joint pain, to unpredictable flares that can impact every part of the body. What many people don’t realize is that lupus doesn’t stop at the joints, skin, or kidneys. It can also affect the heart.

Over the years, lupus has silently attacked my heart, and recently, it has taken a more serious toll. I have been diagnosed with bradycardia, a condition where the heart beats slower than normal. For someone living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), this is not uncommon. Lupus-related inflammation can damage the electrical system of the heart, disrupting the signals that tell the heart when to beat.

What is Bradycardia?

Bradycardia is defined as a slower-than-normal heart rate. For most adults, a normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. In bradycardia, the heart rate drops below 60. While some athletes or very fit individuals can naturally have a low resting heart rate without issues, in someone like me, with lupus and a history of heart complications, it can be dangerous.

Signs and Symptoms of Bradycardia

• Extreme fatigue
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Confusion or memory difficulties
• Fainting (syncope)

Bradycardia prevents the heart from pumping enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. Left untreated, it can lead to heart failure, frequent fainting spells, or even sudden cardiac arrest.

My Recent Health Scare

On August 20, 2025, I experienced one of the scariest moments of my lupus journey. Without warning, I passed out. The next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital, surrounded by doctors and nurses who were working quickly to stabilize me.

That episode was my body’s way of signaling that my heart could no longer keep up. It was both frightening and eye-opening, but it also led to the next step in my treatment plan.

The Path Forward: Pacemaker Placement

The most effective treatment for bradycardia is the placement of a pacemaker—a small device implanted under the skin of the chest that helps regulate the heart’s rhythm. A pacemaker sends electrical signals to keep the heart beating at a steady and safe pace, preventing episodes like fainting, fatigue, or worse.

For me, this is no longer an option, but a necessity. My upcoming procedure is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. But I am also hopeful—hopeful that with this device, I’ll regain some stability and quality of life that lupus has slowly tried to take away.

Why This Matters

Sharing my story isn’t just about me—it’s about raising awareness. Many people living with lupus are unaware of the impact this disease can have on the heart. Cardiovascular complications are one of the leading causes of illness and death in lupus patients, yet they often go undetected until it’s too late.

By speaking openly, I hope to encourage others living with chronic illness to listen to their bodies, get regular check-ups, and never dismiss symptoms like fainting or chest pain.

Moving Forward Together

The journey with lupus is unpredictable, but I’ve learned the importance of resilience, faith, and community. As I prepare for my pacemaker surgery, I am leaning on my support system—family, friends, and the incredible community surrounding the Charlie E & Minnie P Hendrix Foundation.

I will continue to share my journey in the hope that it inspires, educates, and helps others feel less alone in their battles. Chronic illness may shape my life, but it does not define my spirit.

👉 If you or someone you love has lupus, please be mindful of heart-related symptoms and seek medical attention promptly. Early detection and treatment can save lives.