Newie

I am just new to the forum as I just had my Boston scientific dual chamber pacemaker place two weeks ago today. Having the usual issues with getting used to feeling like they were horses galloping in my chest sometimes, I'm trying to figure all this out and how my life is going to change. I am a super super active girl and I'm so frayed that this is going to impact my life negatively. I do understand that this thing is keeping me alive lol. I am used to using my Apple Watch to do an EKG so that I can see my ectopic beats that I'm historic for having. I'm still having palpitations obviously with the pacemaker because they do not control palpitations.  Does anyone know of a smart watch that can perform an EKG with a pacemaker? They have told me that it's probably best for me not to use my apple smart watch. Any suggestions would be helpful

2 Comments

Apple watch

by AgentX86 - 2022-06-24 11:56:24

No current personal EKG gadgets are going to interpret EKGs with pacemaker artifacts.  They're not programmed to do it and the market is too small for all of the work that goes into it.  You can still capture the EKGs and interpret them yourself.  AFib is pretty easy to spot.  Aflutter, probably isn't possible except with the 6-lead Kardia.  SVTs should be pretty easy, though they'll probably be indistinguishable from flutter. You can also send the EKGs to your doctor for interpretation but that should (obviously) be kept to a minimum.

Pacemaker monitors- self use.

by Selwyn - 2022-06-26 08:46:54

Hi Newbie,

I am 2 weeks post op with a Boston Scientific. 

As stated above, there is not really a suitable pacemaker monitor for self use. Your Apple Watch is safe to use. If you need further reassurance ring the Boston Scientific people or read their pacemaker manual that is on-line. 

Personally, I monitor my heart rhythm with a KARDIA device ( not a watch). You can get a single lead read out or a 6 lead read out depending on the type of Kardia device model.  A single lead is fine for most people unless you really understand ECGs. (EKGs).

Your pacemaker will not cure your ectopic beat arrhythmia, as you state.

Now two weeks after insertion of my 'lump', I am back to cycling, ballroom dancing, and table-tennis. I am just waiting for the wound to heal before swimming. Be reassured, having a pacemaker will not stop you doing just about anything. You don't want to get too involved in introspection, though it is nice to record ( eg. from a Kardia you can print out a bit of ECG for your doctor/department) an arrhythmia episode for health care professionals to make a more realistic assessment and to monitor treatment effectiveness. Seeing is believing!

My advice is get back to exercise asap. and make sure the department adjusts your pacemaker settings for your activity. 

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