Heart Monitor Use

HR Monitor Interference

by ElectricFrank - 2012-04-15 03:04:46

The monitors that they are concerned about are the wireless type where you wear a chest band. These have a low power transmitter in the band which transmits the HR to a watch type readout. The concern is that the wireless will interfere with the pacer. This sort of equipment is becoming so common that the newer pacers are designed to handle it. Personally I've been very near much higher powered transmitters like CB or Ham Radio with no problem.

The real problem is the opposite of this. Many of the exercise equipment monitors can't interpret the signals that a pacemaker adds to your heart waveforms. They will give erratic readings, and often give readings that are 2X the real HR. There are some monitors that use the finger tip sensor with a light source that will work.

This comes up periodically here on the site and maybe someone with experience can recommend one to you. The important thing is to not become concerned because your HR suddenly jumps to 240 when it really is 120. It can be unnerving. My suggestion is to be prepared to take your pulse the old fashioned way with the second hand on a watch if you have any question

A related issue is that you may run into what is called the Upper Tracking Limit setting of your pacemaker. This is the maximum rate that the pacer will pace your heart. This is usually set at 120bpm at the factory. The problem is that if you reach that rate the pacemaker enforces it by causing your heart to skip beats. It's a real common problem for those of who are physically fit and active. If you find yourself hitting such a limit don't push it. You may need to ask for an appt to have the limit increased. I'm 82 and still have my upper limit set to 150, but only because I convinced them that I am being responsible with keeping my HR reasonable.

frank