Sound & frequency when battery is low

Can you describe the sound you hear when your ICD power is getting low and how often you hear it? Once before when my monitor had been connected improperly by a technician, I heard a strange beeping and thought it was coming from my telephone. But now I can't remember how often I heard it and exactly how it sounded. I know mine is nearing the end stage (last few months) but am not sure that's what I heard a few minutes ago. Obviously I shouldn't panic because I know it gives you ample time when it happens. However, I did read on this site that some of Medtronics ICD's have been shutting down rather abruptly. Since I've had an AV node ablation and know my heart can't beat without the pacemaker, I'm a little more anxious about it. Thanks for any words of wisdom.

5 Comments

ask your dr

by Tracey_E - 2015-11-30 02:11:18

They all vary in the signal as they near the end, if they even give an audible signal, however none of them shut down abruptly. What they can do is cut back function, which feels awful if you pace a lot but continues to pace enough to keep us safe. It cuts off the extra function and paces at a steady rate, usually around 60 bpm. Before it gets to this mode (EOS, end of service or sometimes called EOL, end of life), there is another period called elective replacement where it's fully functional. Most of us get our new one when in this period so we never feel a difference. There is approx 3 months from the time it goes to elective replacement until switches to eos and cuts back function.

Another thing to keep in mind, even though you've had the ablation, odds are your heart has developed some sort of intrinsic rhythm since then. It's probably slow and you would not feel good, but it's highly unlikely you'd have no beat without the pacing. Every time I've had a replacement (4 so far), they've turned off the pm for a very short time (seconds) in the office before surgery to see what my underlying rate is. It's been anywhere from 20 to 50. They put me on an external pm during replacement surgery. It only takes a few seconds to make the switch between old and new device, but just in case it takes longer than that or my heart is extra slow that day, they're prepared for it.

you are welcome!

by Tracey_E - 2015-11-30 02:11:33

Replacements are super easy so sometimes they forget that we would like a few more details than "hey, it's soon time!" :o)

Thanks Tracey

by suzie2127 - 2015-11-30 02:11:35

Thanks. Your comments were very helpful. You told me several things I've never heard or read. Bless you for taking the time to answer.

Alarm

by rxfxr@aol.com - 2016-01-02 07:01:17

I'm scheduled for replacement next wed. My device started beeping this past Monday. Doc says they usually have 90 days after alarm starts. Mine goes off at 8am and sounds like a British police siren. The first time I heard it I thought my phone had gotten under my pillow and then realized that's not the sound my phone makes.

Battery getting loe sound

by relax221 - 2016-01-15 08:01:12

IT SOUNDED LIKE A CELL PHONE VIBRATION...WENT OFF TWICE..I CALLED THE DR AND HE SAID I STILL HAD 6 MONTHS BUT MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO COME IN

You know you're wired when...

Your heart beats like a teenager in love.

Member Quotes

I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for pacemakers. I've had mine for 35+ years. I was fainting all of the time and had flat-lined also. I feel very blessed to live in this time of technology.