Pacemaker Dependency Percentages

My pacemaker implantation was September 2005 and now that my PVC's (post ventricular contractions/extra heart beats) are now under control, I feel so much better. I still have some brady-tachy episodes but they are split second and my dizzy spells are minimal. My pacemaker is set at 70 and I have so much more energy. However, my heart beats mostly at 70 and rarely a beat more on its own. I have gone from pacing at 12% initially to over 57% according to my last 4 checkups. My pacemaker dependency is obviously increasing. My doctor says don't focus on the increase in the number because I feel good. I have an EnRhythm pacemaker which I believe significantly reduces unnecessary pacing in the heart. But has anyone else experienced such a rapid dependecy rate and should I be concerned although I feel pretty good?

Brook

5 Comments

I asked the same Question

by bowlrbob - 2007-11-18 01:11:13

Last check up i asked my Dr. the same question. My mine was implanted Oct. 2005 an En PulseDR. My rate started at 8% then I also was reset at 70. My rate increased to 38%. Then they added a beta blocker just 25 ml. of Atenolol and my rate of pacing jumped again to 56%. I too feel great so the Dr. said the main thing is quality of life. No need to worry just live. Good advice. He said the only real consequence is that the batteries won't last as long. That reading estimated my battery at another 9 years. Not too bad. Bowlrbob

Increase in percentage

by Vicens - 2007-11-18 01:11:38

Hi: I went on 31st of October to have my PM checked. I had it implanted on February of 2005. Last year (September) they did'nt do any changes to the settings and the battery was at BOL (Beginning of Life). Now, a year later,the battery is at half life (2 1/2 expectance) and the settings have been tweaked, they did'nt tell me how much, but from what I heard, I'm now more dependent, while I was classified first time as "non dependent".
I blame it all on my taking Serevent for a COPD condition.
My cardiologist told me to take another medecine for COPD, but my GP advised me not to, because said medecine could provoke an increase in bradychardy, he said.
I'm over 77 y.
Bye.

i totally agree

by jessie - 2007-11-18 03:11:49

i totally agree why mess with it when you feel good. we wouldn't even have been here some of us so the thing is we are and it is great. i am having cataract surgery to-morrow. i am told that there is nothing to it. i believe i am almost totally dependant and so what? as long as it keeps on beating then who cares why. i am just totally glad to be here. take care everyone have a great day jessie

This may be silly

by mobags - 2007-11-18 08:11:00

Hey Brook,
The first thing that I can think of is have you had any medication changes since you got you PM. Did they add a betablocker to your list because that would certainly drive your intrinsic rate to less then 70 and then you would be paced more often. Thanks the only thing I can think of (but I just woke up so I'll think a little more on it today!). I would say the important thing is how you feel rather then your percent paced.

-mobags

Don't worry....be happy!

by ela-girl - 2007-11-18 09:11:01

Hi, Brook!

Well, I have had my pm over a year and my dependency percent has gone from 17-19% to almost 30%. I was on a beta-blocker before the pm and continue it now with the pm. My rate is set at 60 and one of my big problems was severe bradycardia. So, I guess my pm dependency doubled in about a year. You also have to remember that we all have pm for different reasons and all our bodies are different and respond to things differently. My EP and tech always remind me, too, that a heart can get a bit lazy with a pm because someone else is helping to do its job. From my understanding, it is common for your percents to go up over time. I do, however, agree whole heartedly with everyone else...it's how you feel. If you feel good, then your little mechanical gem is doing it's job!

No worries!
ela-girl

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