car travel vibration

Has anyone had a problem while traveling in a car (bus, train, plane, etc.), with vibration triggering your PM to increase your heart rate too much? I've had my PM two weeks, today was the first time I traveled by car on the freeway. The vibration set off the PM and my HR shot up to 102, I was a passenger riding in the back seat. This was not a pleasant experience, but as soon as we exited the freeway my HR went back to normal.

5 Comments

It happens

by Theknotguy - 2015-11-15 01:11:49

You've got a Medtronic. Probably one with the accelerometer. I have one too. It's great for when you start moving quickly because it kicks your heart rate up quickly too. Other times it can be a bother.

Things that have bothered mine so far: Sitting in specific seats on a large bus. Playing tug with the dog while the dog is shaking the rope. Using a Saws-all reciprocating saw. (The last was a real eye opener.)

On the bus, you can switch to another seat. Or you can put your hand over your PM and keep it from vibrating. With the dog I switched to the other arm. With the saw, I use the other arm or hold it so it doesn't send the vibration up to the PM.

Times it doesn't work and you wish it would: Riding a bicycle. Walking on a treadmill. In each case your torso doesn't move enough to set off the accelerometer.

They have mine set so it takes care of 98% of the situations that I run into. The rest of the time I'm aware what set it off and either quit what I'm doing or move to another area.

Had to do some fast walking the other day. When I stepped up the pace, it was really nice to have the PM keep up with me. Prior to having the PM, I'd get short of breath or dizzy.

Hope you can work out a solution acceptable to you.

It happens

by heckboy - 2015-11-15 03:11:23

Tapping on your PM will have the same effect.

Good for you.

by Gotrhythm - 2015-11-15 04:11:58

You figured it out in only two weeks. It took me much longer, maybe because it only happened on a certain street where the pavement was in bad condition and I only traveled that street on the way to church.

You're probably due for a PM check soon. Mention the problem to the PM techs. They can probably fiddle with the PM settings and help.

Common problem

by golden_snitch - 2015-11-15 08:11:42

It's a common problem of rate response sensors that are based on motion sensing only. They are very sensitive to vibration, bumpy roads etc.

If it bothers you a lot, you should talk about rate response settings with your cardio. Many patients don't need the rate response,but somehow have it switched on. Ask about that. If you need it, your doctor might be able to change settings, so that it responds less aggressively.

Good luck!

Thanks

by SlowBeats - 2015-11-16 04:11:14

You all are great...nice to have feedback. Now I can go to my follow-up visit on Wednesday informed and able to discuss the issue. This site has really been a great help to me before and after implant. Thank you so much!

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