Reaction to PM implantation

I had a dual chamber implanted on 3.11.14, and from that day I have experienced daily episodes of heavy almost mechanical beats, slightly faster than normal (75 instead of 60), which last for 1-2mins. Curiously these episodes occur at 10mins to the hour, but at different hours each day eg. Fridays at 3.50p.m., Saturdays at 12.50p.m., Sundays at 9.50a.m. Sometimes they might occur at other times as well, but always at these times. My cardiologist (very experienced - about 2000 implantations) has never heard of my experience, and the technician at my first check-up looked and sounded puzzled as well. It was suggested that I might be particularly sensitive to my heart (all my life I have been able to feel my heart beating, so perhaps they are right).
I would very much like to hear if others have had a similar experience. It is not pleasant....during the episodes my heart feels weak, so I have found it best to simply sit quietly until they pass. But naturally I would like to not have them if that is possible. Next check-up on 16 Feb.

2 Comments

In an unrelated area

by Theknotguy - 2015-01-19 10:01:40

Was having trouble breathing at night due to OSA sleep apnea. Talked to doctor and he was explaining how one side of the nose opens up, the other side shuts down, then both sides, etc. Mostly we don't notice it unless we have a cold or can't breathe. There are a lot of automatic things going on with the body to which we mostly pay no attention. Such is the same with the heartbeat. Most of the time we ignore it. But for those of us with PM's we are a lot more sensitive to what's going on.

Question in my mind is if you feel the heartbeat at 10 minutes till the hour because you are looking for it? What if you set your wristwatch five minutes ahead would the heavier heartbeat change to match the watch simply because you're looking? It would be worth a test. Anyway....

Was having the "thumping" heartbeats you described. Usually right after going to bed. Finally figured out the quick walk across the room followed by the sudden inactivity didn't give the PM time to slow down my heart like my natural flesh and blood pacemaker would. Did talk to my EP about it but he just gave me a quizzical look and said it wasn't the PM. Well, actually it was - in a way but nothing to get concerned about. Was getting ready to call my sleep doctor to see if he would see anything on the CPAP report. Then, of course, the thumping went away and it was back to normal day-to-day stuff. Doc pointed out my heart thumping could also be caused by dreaming. So there are a lot of natural reasons why the heart can be thumping which have nothing to do with the PM or heart problems. Most people don't pay attention to it.

Along the way and at about the same time, had problems with liver enzymes going a little crazy, a mild flu going around which I got, moving about 2500 pounds of wood which caused muscle soreness, and doing some work which caused a sore back. Each one could have influenced my heart and caused the thumping. If I hadn't had the PM, might never noticed. So have you had similar things happen to you?

One thing you did mention. Said you could always feel your heartbeat. I'm also one of those who can feel the heartbeat and could feel the PM kick in until they lowered the voltage on it. Question in my mind is if they have the voltage set a little high on your PM and you're feeling the heartbeat right after the PM kicks in and initiates a beat? I'm at eight tenths of a volt to initiate the atrial beat and I can feel it sometimes. What is your setting? Could they lower your voltage just a little and see if that lowers your sensitivity? Like I said, I can occasionally feel the PM kick in, but now that I recognize it, I don't get excited about it. Actually it's nice to know my PM is working like it's supposed to.

I also remember what it felt like when my heart didn't beat as it was supposed to just before I collapsed in a heap on the trail. Between the feeling of no heartbeat and feeling my PM kick in, I'll take the PM any day.

Hope this helps you get an answer for your question.

Reaction to PM implantation

by hopephil - 2015-01-29 04:01:26

"Theknotguy"

Many thanks indeed for your lengthy response to my query! I did find them helpful. I'm sorry to have taken 10days to respond. We've had family staying and I haven't got back to my computer.

Interesting idea to put my watch forward 5mins. I tried it, but my heavy beat episodes simply occurred 5mins. earlier. I'm clear that I'm not 'waiting' for them. Quite often I forget that the time is approaching for the day's episode, until suddenly it happens and I look at my watch and sure enough it's that time. Sometimes they'll occur at unexpected times, but always at 10mins. to the hour. I'm going to raise it at my next check-up in a few weeks.

Many thanks again!

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