Strong heartbeats after implant

Last week my doctor took out my pacemaker and replaced it with a CRT-D device in order to get me not only the new defibrillator but also to synch up both heart chambers. While doing so has definitely helped, I have noticed something that I did not have before; lots of times I can feel my heart beating like it is going to come out of my chest. Sometimes it is so strong I can actually watch my skin twitch under my left breast area on each beat.

Has anyone else ever experienced this? It does not hurt it is just annoying. And it only happens every few minutes.

5 Comments

strong heartbeats

by Pookie - 2012-03-04 07:03:55

it is just my guess but the settings will have to be looked at. as you said you've only had this new device since last week, so call whoever looks after you & your pacemaker and ask if you can have your device interrogated sooner rather than later.

Pookie

Yes

by Peg541 - 2012-03-04 10:03:22

This happened to me after my first interrogation. The MD swtiched on the Rate Response. That watches my breathing and movement and is supposed to increase the rate when I am active, like exercising.
In my case it was too sensitive and gave me these big Ventricular beats that shook me any time I moved. So we had it switched off and it's much better now.
Peg

strong heartbeats

by bostonsci - 2012-03-04 10:03:49

The feeling that you're probably feeling is from diaphragm stim. A lot of times when the left ventricular lead is placed too posteriorly on your lef ventrical it can cause this to happen. It is annoying and can easily be fixed. There are basic reprogramming configurations that can help this issue. usually in the lab when its placed they won't notice this stim but obviously when you stand up things can change. Its nothing to worry about just needs to be reprogrammed. same thing happened to me

Diaphragm stim

by bshpmark - 2012-03-05 09:03:58

I called the cardiologist's office today and they advised me it was the diaphragm stimulation issue. I told them it really only happened when I sat a certain way or leaned a certain way and they told they could make an adjustment that would fix it. I had an appointment already scheduled for Wednesday so I can wait until them. Thanks for everyone's input.

Good Luck

by Moner - 2012-03-06 07:03:28

Good luck tomorrow with your doctor's appointment...

I'll say a little prayer it all works out this time around for you.

Moner

>^..^<

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

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Good luck with your surgery. It will improve life amazingly.