Symptoms during pacemaker check

I recently had my 6 month pacemaker check and every time the test that slows down the heart occurs, I get very dizzy and have trouble breathing almost instantly and they have to stop that test. Every other part of the check up is fine. I was wondering if anyone else had this and if you think this will be problematic when it;s time to replace the device in about 2 years. Thanks.


2 Comments

same feeling

by revelation - 2014-09-21 10:09:33

I know what you're talking about. I do the same thing. The boston scientific rep. that checked my device acted like I didn't know what I was talking about---almost passing out. But it was real to me. I know, I was there, it happened to me. Anyone that hasn't been there doesn't know, but those like you and I that have experienced it knows. God Bless!

Tests

by golden_snitch - 2014-09-22 03:09:34

Hi!

The test, when the cardio or tech slows the rate down, is the sensitivity test; when the rate is increased, they test the (capture) threshold.

One can define the sensitivity of a pacemaker electrode as the minimum myocardial voltage required to be detected as a P wave (atria beating) or R wave (ventricles beating), measured in mV.

If you do not have any underlying rhythm, for instance a slow sinus rhythm or AV-nodal rhythm, and they test the sensitivity, your heart might stop briefly which can lead to the symptoms you describe. But even with an underlying rhythm, if it's really slow, like 20 or 30 bpm, you might get dizzy etc.

I would think that, if it's clear before the replacement surgery that you have no underlying rhythm, you might have a temporary pacemaker placed that takes over.

It wasn't clear in my case, they tested my rhythm right before my latest replacement procedure and it was running at 40bpm. Surprisingly, I then flatlined when the old device was disconnected. But I was under sedation (which I think was the reason why my underlying rhythm failed), so I wasn't aware of it. The surgeon said, he just hurried up. He explained that this happens sometimes, and since he really doesn't need much time to disconnect the old pacer and connect the new, it's not a big deal. The heart only pauses for a couple of seconds. I guess, next time I'd have it the same way, because setting a temporary pacemaker up, is a bigger deal than just letting the heart pause for a few seconds.

Best wishes
Inga

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