question

I have a St Jude model 5386 pacemaker implanted in 2004 and want to know if my device will sound an audible alarm when the battery gets low. My husband said he heard a beeping noise for a few seconds last night as I was sleeping. We are wondering if any of you know if it could possibly be my pacemaker. I was told on my last visit last week that I have about 3 months left on the battery and will now be getting checked monthly. However, my question is whether this model will sound an alarm? Thank you.

2 Comments

I Was Told Yes

by Many Blessings - 2013-05-19 04:05:53

Hi Loney,

I have a St. Jude CRT-P (I just got it a year ago). I was told if there was a problem with my device, an alarm would sound, whether it was because it wasn't working properly, or if the battery was at it's end.

My PM tech has tested the alarm so I could hear it, on several occasions. Mine sounds like one of the old German sirens (but very, very quiet). She told me if I hear this sound at any time, I should contact my doctor so they could do an interrogation and report on the PM, to see what's going on.

If I were you, I'd give them a call tomorrow and ask if they think you should be seen. What was your battery life at during your last PM check? Since you've had it since 2004, it may be the battery nearing the end. If I'm not mistaken, I was told if I did hear the alarm due to the battery nearing it's end, there was still about 3 months left (I may be wrong on that, but I think that's what they said), so it wouldn't be an emergency. But, do call your doctor to see what he/she has to say. I think it's important.

I suggest you have them test the alarm on your PM so you and your husband can hear the sound it will make if it does it again. Again, mine is like the old German sirens, but yours may be different. My alarm is so quiet, you have to really listen, plus, it's hard to tell it's coming from your chest since you don't feel anything, that's why I want you to have them test it so you can hear it and familiarize yourself with it. One of my coworkers has a St. Jude ICD and his made the same sound when his needed replaced.

I'm not sure if other manufacturers have this feature or not. But, I know my St. Jude one does.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Loney

by Bevof NC - 2013-05-31 11:05:22

When my battery got low it beeped very softly. Check every 12 hours. I didn't even hear it at 1st. My husband did. When I did hear it I called and EP gal said I would hear it at regular intervals and if it bothered me-I could go in and she could turn it off. I left it on and she made me an appointment with EP Doc. It was changed in a suitable time. Oh, yes, she said it would get louder as time went by....Think it starts about 3 months befor battery end of life. Good luck, Keep us posted! Bev of NC

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