Medtronic Azure Upper Sensor Rate - How did the EP get to the number?

Max rate

by AgentX86 - 2020-10-18 22:19:38

The maximum rate is set more to protect you and depends on why you have a pacemaker.  Your EP may be worried about your heart at high rates right off the bat. Often EPs set it fairly low to prevent Pacemaker Mediated Tachycardia or perhaps even Vfib. Until it's proven that the high rate isn't going to cause a problem you may be stuck with it.  If you need more, it's something you may have to negotiate with your EP.  He may allow it to be increased slowly until he's sure you're OK with it.

neither

by Tracey_E - 2020-10-18 22:42:03

Most doctors don't go by those max HR charts. They're just a guideline and we aren't typical. Whether they want us working out at full effort depends on our health. Just having a pacer isn't a reason to hold back, tho the underlying reason why we have it may be. If our problems are electrical and the pacer fixes what's wrong, pacing is not a reason to force us to hold back.

My settings were done based on a stress test. I'm otherwise healthy, the numbers on my last echo and stress test were solid, so my pacer is set to support me pushing at maximum effort. I have no idea what the charts say is good for me but I'm 54, my upper limit is 190, I regularly maintain 160-165 during a workout. The most I ever get to is 175 or so, so they gave me a cushion over that. I do not use rate response at those rates, it's all me. RR gives me a boost when I get started, then I take off on my own and only need ventricular pacing for my heart block. Not sure if that answers your question, but I don't know any cardiologists/ep's who go strictly by those charts. 

Upper Rate

by Julros - 2020-12-21 16:08:01

I have asked to have my upper adjusted up, but 140 is the max that my EP will agree to. He says this is based on my age (63) and will not go higher. I have had some adjustments so that my rate will go up quicker for running and cycling.I typically jog 3-4 times a week, and cycle when weather allows. My Garmin watch calculates my VO2 max at 34%. I have a CRT-P for an underlying HR of 30. I would change docs, but the nearest cardiology office is 80 miles away.