Normal?

Hi all, I just have a question..is it normal for my heart rate to constantly go under 60 even thought that is what my pacemaker is set at for the low? I am about 7 weeks or so out from getting my pacemaker. I had inappropiate sinus tachycardia and after 3 ablations they pretty much knocked out my sinus node and during my last ablation they ablated for 7 hrs then my heart rate went to 40 so they put the pacemaker in. Off and on I check my heart rate and its usually running between 53-62. Shouldn't my pacer be not letting it get that low? I went to my follow up about 3 weeks ago and he did a 24 monitor and said everything was ok, the only thing he found he sometimes I have a missed heart beat. Any advice would be great!

3 Comments

Rate hysteresis

by golden_snitch - 2012-09-03 11:09:33

Hi!

There also is a feature called "rate hysteresis" that allows the heart rate to drop below the programmed lower heart rate. It helps to reduce unnecessary pacing. Could be that it's turned on in your pacer. There is a good explanation at:
http://www.bostonscientific.com/templatedata/imports/HTML/CRM/A_Closer_Look/pdfs/ACL_A_and_V_Rates_Below_LRL_062508.pdf

Regarding the sinus node ablations, have they informed you about superior vena cava syndrome as a possible complication? I have had it after multiple sinus node ablations, and know two others with this complication. My EP now has everyone, who undergoes sinus node ablations, get their superior vena cava checked after six months (CT with contrast dye).

Best wishes
Inga

Hi Daisy

by Jax - 2012-09-03 12:09:13

I had the same issue. Pm set at 60 and found I had lower hb. I asked my EP and it was just what electric frank said -- its very easy for a heart monitor to miss a beat or so...even when you take yr own pulse you can miss a hb...so relax of yr pm is set at 60 that's what you'll get

The missed heart beats

by ElectricFrank - 2012-09-03 12:09:45

Most methods of measuring heart rate measure the time for a constant number of beat, or the reverse. It only takes a skipped beat or two to affect the reading. Also, because of the effect the pacer has on the ECG wave most HR monitors tend be be erratic.

frank

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