Vibration

Vibration will make your HR go up

by IAN MC - 2016-12-13 04:41:21

It sounds as though your EP doesn't  understand how the Rate Response function works in your Medtronic PM. 

Your PM contains tiny crystals ( known as Piezo-electric crystals ) . These crystals produce a small electrical current when exposed to VIBRATION. When you move around you generate vibrations , the resulting small current produced by the crystals tells the pacemaker that you are being active . The longer lasting and more vigorous the vibration , the greater the increase in heart-rate.

These Piezo-electrical crystals are used in all sorts of devices , for example portable gadgets used to light gas-cookers contain the crystals. a spring-loaded hammer operates when you press the button ; it then hits the crystal, causes VIBRATIONS and creates a spark.

A speed boat, car gravel or very loud music could all cause vibrations which the PM mis-interprets and sends up your heart-rate.. It thinks you are being active.

In simple terms, you can have the sensitivity of the RR function altered so that it will stop responding  to some of the levels of vibration which are causing you problems.

Best of luck

ian

rate response

by Tracey_E - 2016-12-13 09:22:09

As Ian said, perhaps it's as simple as turning down the sensitivity on the rate response. If the sensitivity is too high, no amount of meds will keep your rate down because the pacer is getting your rate up, not your own  heartbeat. It might be interesting to get a holter to see how much of the racing is paced, make sure none of it is you. 

RR

by gleesue - 2016-12-13 13:31:49

When I first got my PM the RR was turned on. When I would go over a bump driving my car my heart rate would go up. When I was in  a golf cart, it would really go crazy. My doctor even told me that when I was playing tennis and my heart was not going fast enough, just shake my PM anit will speed up. My RR is now turned off since my heart speeds up pretty well on its own. But, it was a little wild and crazyat first, when it was on and a little too sensitive.

Jerry

Thank you

by BetsyQ - 2016-12-14 02:58:58

Thank you all for your responses.  I now have some idea of the questions to ask next time I see my EP.  Actually, I think I'll be calling them and talking to the pacemaker department very soon.  I'm so glad to know I'm not crazy!

Betsy

Nope, You're NOT CRAZY!

by NiceNiecey - 2016-12-14 06:09:23

Hi Betsy.

I, too, have a jump in heart activity driving over bumpy roads and most definitely when ascending in an airplane.  I don't know why it's typically on the ascent but it is.  It is not worrisome; I just 'notice' my heart beating a bit weird at those times.

Since you're going to be flying to see those kiddos, I thought I'd let you in on my personal flying experience before you experience it yourself!

Niecey

Metal Allergy

by francesp - 2016-12-15 11:25:30

I have a P/m fitted I canot feel my heart beat I thought that was normal till I have just read some comments may be this is why i have been so ill since it was put in ,,,,any ideas thank you Pauline

feeling very sick

by francesp - 2016-12-15 11:29:04

 Hi  even when i excert my self like climbing 3 flights of stairs I practicaly pass out but dont feel my heart beating just heavy pain in my chest and cant breath Pauline

Rate response

by Steve Dooley - 2016-12-20 16:53:03

Hi.  I had the same problem when driving on bumpy roads.  Also walking briskly sent my heart rate up over 130.  For some reason my Vitatron pacemaker activity threshold has been set to 'high'.  Just a few days ago it was changed to 'medium'.  I can now do the same walk with HR below 100 and things feel much better.