what does this number mean ?

hi all me again just to update you all we have a appiontment on friday with the cardioigest at hospital to talk about hubbys pm being re sited sp will update you all after
i have a question though
on hubbys pm reead out it says
arteral lead impadance 566 on last visit it was 624
and on ventricular lead it says impadance 405 last visit was 395 can somone tell me what these numbers mean and why the change since lastvisit 3 months ago hope someone can help as all very confusing thanx for you time in reading this x

2 Comments

Impedance

by SMITTY - 2009-03-30 08:03:14

Hey Bullseye,I

It is probably an over simplification of the definition, but impedance means resistance an electrical current meets as it flows through a conductor. In the case of our pacemakers, I always guess the impedance numbers on my checkup reports ishow the resistance the electrical impulse from my PM encounters as it travels to my heart.

To give you some numbers, I've had my PM since 2000 and in 4-08 the impedance in my A lead was 769 and in the V lead 841 and in 3-09 those numbers are A lead 821 and V lead 856. I think in my case so long as these numbers stay below about 3000 or 4000 I'm alright. The reasons that these numbers change is the leads probably have deposits build around the spot where they are in contact with the heart which increases the resistance to the electrical current flow. Of course the impedance readings can also show if the lead(s) are deteriorating or broken.

With that I'll stop because I'm sure I've already said more than I really know about this subject. Hopefully Frank can come in and set us all straight.

Good luck,

Smitty

measurement

by kcruz - 2009-03-30 08:03:44

Lead impedance is a measurement that is conducted on a daily basis by the device, it is a check point for the leads integrity.It is normal for this number to change from check to check. Physicians don't worry unless there is a large change typically 1000 ohms, unless it is a high impedance lead who readings would be generally high. Hope this helps

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Pacemakers are very reliable devices.