Pacemaker Club: RR

by detter
2013-10-15 08:10:19
Checkups & Settings
1238 views
5 comments

How many of you have the rate response sensor turned on? What are the benefits or complications from having it on?

5 Comments

Many people do

by PacerRep - 2013-10-15 09:10:53

I don't know a specific percentage but it's more than half. There really isn't much on the complications side, sometimes it takes a few times programming to get it right...every once in a while I get a pt that hates their heart going faster and wants it off.

Benefits are that the pacemaker can adjust your HR based on metabolic demand, so it will allow you to do more strenuous exercises if your heart does not go up on it's own.

If your heart already fluctuates regularly then RR is not for you.

I have had mine on since

by janetinak - 2013-10-16 04:10:12

day one. In fact when I asked about getting PM that can get MRI with PM was told EP wanted the BS model I have been getting as needed RR. I am AV node ablated for Afib & 100% paced. Maybe the fast rate does not bother me as I have had a pulse about 90 all my life & then got Afib with very fast rate & nothing helped for almost 2 years ( & believe we tried everything available at the time). It is interesting that when they check my PM & say we are going to increase rate, doesn't phase me-don't even feel it. But when they lower the rate I notice it.Guess just goes to show we are all different.

Hope this helps answer your questions.

On

by Tick-tock - 2013-10-16 04:10:13

Mine is set on, and if I'm reading my printout correctly, it is set at low. I sit neutral about this as I'm a new recipient. I have had an adjusment already, and notice a huge difference but I'm unaware of exactly what they changed:)

My RR is on

by Grateful Heart - 2013-10-16 11:10:32

It depends why you need the PM/ ICD. Mine is also a BS model.

Sometimes adjustments are needed, especially if you are active.

Grateful Heart

Mine is off too!

by Casper - 2013-10-16 12:10:35

Hi Detter,

My Rate Response has never been turned off.

My Rate Drop Response remains off as well, it was interferring with my natural heart rate recovery after jogging.

I hope you find the settings that works for you, I'm just curious, do you have bradycardia or SSS, those I believe are reasons why some folks here have it turned on.

Good luck.

Casper