Newby

I'm a 69 year old recreational runner and curler. I had AFIB and an ablation in 2011 and another one in 2022 (after Afib returned). Second ablation killed my sinus node and I went to Bracardia with the right ventrical running the show at 30-35 bpm. I quickly got out fitted with a dual chamber Medtronic W3DR01 pace maker on June 13 2022. I found the iPhone app but am waiting for registration confirmation. I have done 3 light jogs of 20-25 minute duration. Pulse comes up to 140 on hills and sits around 120 on the flat at a 9min/km pace. I am also on Bisoprolol 5mg and Amiodarone 200mg. I would like to slowly increase my workouts to a 60 min jog 2-3 times a week at a 7min pace. My resting pulse rate is at a regulated 60 (normally 50-55). Any suggestions for how to get optimized settings on the Medtronic device? I have my first follow up appointment scheduled for Sept 19 2022. I thought I would increase weekly time by 5%/week to get up to an hour/run and then work on pace. My curling season starts in October and requires vigorous sweeping that I am a little worried about with the location of the pacemaker. Anyone curl or plays tennis or raquetball have suggestions? Thanks in advance for any help.

1 Comments

Running

by AgentX86 - 2022-07-04 15:44:32

Hi Doug, welcome to the group. Sorry you're here.

It sounds like you're doing very well and your rate response seems to be set very well out-of-the gate.  Your EP knows what he's doing. When you see your EP, discuss your plan with him. Tell him what your lifestyle is and where you want to be.  SInce your only problem is your sinus node (AF doesn't count much, here). he should be able to set your upper sensor rate up quite a bit.  At 69, there'll of course be limits but I think you have a lot of room there (I am not a doctor). There are a lot of settings that have to be tweaked for optimum performance.  Your EP can give some limits to your device tech,  who can tweak the settings with you.  Alternatively, you can ask for a treadmill test to help with the gross settings but there you'll still need to provide feedback to get everything the way you want it. 

You may have to get a Medtronic rep involved to get everything just right.  Getting the manufacturer's rep involved isn't a big deal.  Large metropolitan  hospitals may have one on-site or at least one close by for consultation.  They know their stuff.

Note that some settings conflict with others for everyday living.  For example, if your rate response is set too sensitive, you mey feel great running but  you may get a high heart rate when driving down a bumpy road. You have to figure out your balance. There are a lot of the tradeoffs. Only you know how you feel.  Make sure it's known to your EP and device tech. Be friends with your device tech.  You don't want to piss him off. ;-)

See:

<https://www.medtronicacademy.com/features/rate-response-rr-feature>

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Life does not stop with a pacemaker, even though it caught me off guard.