Medtronic Consulta CRT-P

Hi everyone. I need a little help. I'm trying to understand the Rate Response on my CRT-P. My AV-NODE is ablated and I have a Consulta CRT-P. My rate response is set at "medium" and the Mode is set at V V I R. PROBLEM: When I walk at at steady pace after about 10 minutes I get fatigued and really don't feel like walking any more, I'm not out of breath; just fatigued. The same thing happens when I walk up a flight of stairs, about 20 steps. The CRT-P has settings of LOW, MEDIUM & HIGH on it. Since I"m now set at MEDIUM If I have it reset at HIGH would that help? Also what is Mode V V I R? The CRT-P is set at 60 BPM on the low & 130 BPM on the high. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Vinnie

1 Comments

VVIR

by golden_snitch - 2014-08-16 03:08:32

Hi Vinnie!

VVIR is a mode where only the ventricle is sensed (V) and paced (V), and if a natural beat is sensed, the pacemaker is inhibited (I) and lets the heart work on its own. The rate response is switched on (R). This is the typical mode when you have had an AV-node ablation, and your atria are fibrillating (or are in some other kind of permanent tachycardia).

If your rate response is set to medium now, and you feel like it's not responding well, you need to have it set to low. In Medtronic devices a "high" rate response means that it only responds when you exercise vigorously (high intensity). With a low setting it will respond to nearly every kind of movement, even low intensity activities, so that you get faster rates with minimal exertion.

Inga

You know you're wired when...

Microwave ovens make you spark.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!