When?

Im told I did have a heart attack, and because my pulse rate was staying around 30, a permanent pace maker was placed in my chest.

I feel much better at rest, but when walking or exerting myself, I just want to lay down and sleep.

Will this pass or something Im going to have to live with?

Jeff

3 Comments

Your profile doesn't say when PM

by janetinak - 2013-09-03 04:09:29

put in. If you are not scheduled for an appointment to check your PM, call & get one. Most of the times the PM needs adjustment of the settings to you & hopefully that will have you feeling much better soon.

Let us know how it goes,

Janet


When & What

by SMITTY - 2013-09-03 11:09:42

Hello Jeff,

I'm guessing of course, but it sounds like the rate response in your PM is not activated. The RR is there to increase your heart rate when you start some physical activity. I think all RR will do that but there are some that use other triggers to start working. such as increase in body temp, mental stress and those are all that come to mind right now. I'm sure some of there other members will tell you what else can trigger a RR.

Now, here is one trick that I do to see if my rate response is working -- it always is. I count my heart rate after about a 15 minute rest. That rest should not include something exciting on TV. Then tap yourself firmly, not hard enough to hurt, but firmly, at the bottom of your rib cage on the left side for about 20 to 30 seconds. Then count your heart rate. If the RR is working your heart rate will have increased and you shouldn't have the periods of fatigue.

No matter if your HR has or has not increased, you should discuss your situation with the dr as there are many things other than a RR not being activated that can cause what you describe. Don't gamble with a misdiagnosis.

Good luck,

Smitty

What is your PM for?

by KAG - 2013-09-03 12:09:15

If your sinus node is working properly and you have AV block then the PM paces at whatever rate your sinus node commands between the lower and upper rate settings. The the Upper Tracking Rate could be the issue. If it's set to low then your HR won't go up enough to support what you're doing.

As Smitty points out if you have sinus node problems then the PM takes it's place and sets the HR. Rate Response is used to sense your activity and increase or decrease your HR accordingly. The UTR comes into play too.

I'd get a copy of your PM interrogation report and check out your device's mode and settings. People on this site can help you if needed.

Keep asking questions until you get back to your normal activity levels

Kathy

You know you're wired when...

You forecast electrical storms better than the weather network.

Member Quotes

Just because you have a device doesn't mean you are damaged goods and can't do anything worthwhile and have to lie down and die. In fact, you're better and stronger. You're bionic!