Can't catch breath when exercising

Now 68, always been reasonably fit, 220-6ft.  difficulty in climbing stairs in 2002.  Found I had Atrial Fib, so had pacemaker installed after tests in 2003. Big improvement.  Had pacemaker replaced about 2010 (batteries), history readout was fine (paces about 18% of the time).  

I have been on betablockers since 2003 but felt that my heart was beating too fast and irregularly, so I tried increasing the dose about 4 months ago to what was the original dosage in 2003 .  This quieted the beating and I felt better, however now I'm finding as soon as I exert myself suddenly, my heart rate doesn't seem to increase enough to combat the increased need for oxygen.  I have been playing tennis, squash and golf for many years but now play only doubles for court games.  I've stopped skiing and scuba.

My resting rate is between 63 and 72.  when I exert myself, my heart beat doesn't seem to increase to pump more blood. My Oxygen blood level drops to 93, which effectively stops any more exertion on my part.  As soon as I rest enough, oxygen rises to 97-98 again, then I can continue playing.

QUESTION:  Can I have the pacemaker reset to compensate for increased exertion (ie: adjust for exercise).  Any comments / suggestions?

3 Comments

Easy Fix

by IAN MC - 2017-10-01 17:47:35

Hi Miles.   You have developed   " chronotropic  incompetence" which means that your heart rate is not increasing as it should when you exercise.

This could have been caused by changes in your heart or by the increased dosage of beta blockers.

The good news is that a simple PM settings adjustment can solve the problem . You need to have  "Rate Response" switched on . This will enable you to play squash,tennis and golf again without getting so breathless .

I see that you have a Medtronic pacemaker. This contains a sensor which detects motion / vibration and then triggers off extra heart beats.

So see whoever adjusts your PM : it should be an easy fix but may need a few minor tweaks before it is right for you,

Best of luck

Ian

 

 

Thanks Ian, you were right

by miles188 - 2017-10-03 12:08:46

Ian, I went to the clinic the next day and within 10 mins had the settings changed with the approval of the doctor on site.  What a difference!  I gained back 10 years of my life.  Now I'm wondering why on earth wasn't the upper limit set higher when it was installed (raised it to 135).  I no longer sweat in bed and have a lot more stamina.  A new me.

Miles

settings

by The real Patch - 2017-10-03 12:37:16

it's really a guessing game what settings are going to be best for a given patient. When initially installed the device is generally programmed to a standard that does suit many people but it's up to us to inform the technician or doctor when things aren't right so they can fine tune.

I always suggest patients keep a journal or diary of what and how they feel and perform so you can share it with the Cardiologist when you see him/her and they can make appropriate adjustments to our treatment regimen.

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