what is the best device?

I am told I need a CRT pacemaker. I am wondering what pacemaker is best suited for me. I am a runner, I run 5 miles most every day and have run many full and 1/2 marathons. which brand and why?

3 Comments

Diagnosis?

by golden_snitch - 2015-10-05 05:10:29

Hi!

The important question here is: What is your diagnosis and will you need the pacemaker's rate response function or not?

You most likely will, if you have issues with your sinus node (natural pacemaker of the heart in the right atrium) leading to slow heart rates and the heart rate not increasing when you exercise.

If you do not have any issues with your sinus node and will therefore not need the rate response, pretty much any CRT will do. If you have a heart block, what might be important to look at is a high so called "upper tracking rate". This makes sure that the ventricular pacemaker lead(s) track your atrial rhythm up to, for instance, 220 bpm. There are some devices out there with a relatively low upper tracking rate of just 150, which might not be enough for you.

If you, however, need the rate response, you should discuss sensors with your cardio. Most devices only offer a motion sensor, which is often not enough for active people. Sorin Group and Boston Scientific offer a combination of motion sensor and minute ventilation sensor, which is better for active people. And then there's Biotronik offering a CLS sensor (closed loop stimulation), which measures cardiac contractility in the ventricles and responds to most types of exercise and also to mental stress.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Im with GS.....

by Tattoo Man - 2015-10-05 07:10:23



..Tell them about you sporting profile

Rate Response is important to how you are programmed..

Tattoo Man

Medtronic

by nikifitz - 2015-10-13 05:10:37

Hi,
I was a runner before I had my pacemaker implanted about two years ago! I am now 24 yo.I will be honest and say that it has been a journey getting back into shape. I have a medtronic device and I love it and I love the company they have the most fantastic pacemaker representatives that are willing to work to get you back to where you want to be if that is possible with your dx. (I had my settings changed every two weeks for 6 months so that I could work out). Not everyone is the same and most doctors and nurses are not used to younger active people having pm so you have to really do research and advocate for yours.
You will need a rate response though and make sure you understand your settings so that you can keep up with your plan of care. Totally depends on your dx.
I have a rate response on and I have a low tracking rate of 150 so mine does pretty good with exercise, I do insanity, run and lift. The thing I have problems with still are hikes(the elevation is really hard for some reason ) ..
You should really discuss with your doctor in length about the recovery process, for an athlete it is very different than an older person. You will need to make sure that you will be able to get the settings changed and that they will work to individualize your pm for your lifestyle.

Best of wishes.

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Member Quotes

It may be the first time we've felt a normal heart rhythm in a long time, so of course it seems too fast and too strong.