Too fast too quickly

Hi Guys

I'm 54, had a PM implanted because of bradycardia which got more extreme over the course of my life. My resting HR was always low 40s or high 30s but I was starting to get dizzy spells so the Dr advised a PM.

Anyway, I'm now 4 weeks post op. and have a problem which I didn't have pre-op. On the slightest exercise (slow walking) my HR jumps so much that I'm stopped in my tracks. I've no trouble breathing but I can feel such a strong fast pulse in my neck I'm forced to slow or stop moving. After a short walk it might take a few minutes for my pulse to return to normal (set at 50bpm).

Is this something that can be adjusted on the PM or have I developed a new problem? It's almost like the PM is too enthusiastic or being over-active.

Anyone else had the same problem?

3 Comments

Sort of

by NiceNiecey - 2014-06-16 10:06:49

You're in the early stages of your PM and the adjustments are many. My problem is that my heart is now POUNDING like crazy but my HR isn't going high at all (which is always went WAY HIGH before PM) no matter how vigorously I'm exercising.

I think your description is excellent about the PM being too enthusiastic (you might say "sensitive"). Ask you doctor or the doc's nurse about it. I finally realized that I'm going to have this device for the rest of my life and the tweeks will take time. In addition, every adjustment takes me a couple weeks of getting use to. Give it time.

Rate response

by golden_snitch - 2014-06-17 03:06:53

Hi!

With your history of bradycardia, I'm pretty sure that your pacemaker's rate response feature has been activated. It makes sure that your heart rate increases adequately when you move around/exercise. Now, sometimes this feature is a bit "aggressive" in the beginning, pacing you way too fast even with little exertion. The good news is that this can be fine tuned. There are several parameters that can be changed to slow it down a bit. Which parameters depends on your pacemaker model and manufacturer. If you happen to have a Biotronik device with a CLS sensor, you can read about my experiences with this sensor at:
http://www.pacemakerclub.com/public/jpage/1/p/story/a/storypage/sid/31907/content.do

Most rate response sensors have the ability to learn and adjust automatically. What I'm describing in the above mentioned post is this ability, and how long and how much effort it took for me to get this automatic optimization. I had exactly the same problem as you in the beginning.

If I were you, I'd ask the cardio to fine tune your rate response settings.

Inga

Medronic Sensia

by finky - 2014-06-17 07:06:47

is the type of PM I have been given so, according to the interesting earlier post of yours you linked me to.

I haven't got the CLS feature that you have. Does that mean that my PM will not learn to take it a bit easier but will instead always race to whatever rate it thinks I need (and often misjudge that rate)?

Strangely, the PM races when I descend stairs but remains stable when I climb them! I know that sounds ridiculous but it's true! I've tested it several times. Does the PM sense physical movement rather than electrical activity?

Thanks very much for your help. It's so good to have this site to share experiences and learn!

Simon

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