?? Re SVT's

I'm asking this of anyone who has experienced SVT's or any kind of tachycardia. I'm 1 week short of going in for my 6 week check after having a lead replaced. I've had my PM since Sept 2010 for AV block and never had any kind of tachy as far as I know- until possibly yesterday.
I had resumed walking and doing easy hikes after 2 weeks and have felt great. Feeling good I decided to increase the intensity, so my wife and I increased the distance and elevation a bit. We had climbed up about 1200 ft of elevation on a 1.5 mile hike when I noticed a really rapid and somewhat weak it seemed, pulse rate. This continued for probably 15-20 seconds, then 2 normal beats, then the rapid weak beats for another 10-15 seconds , then 2 normal beats, then gradulally returned to the regular rate it had been during the climb of about 124 bpm.
My question is- is what I experienced SVT's, A-Fib, A-Tach, or just some benign occurence? Any ideas from someone who has experienced this?
Thanks

Harry

6 Comments

Possible upper limit issue

by ElectricFrank - 2011-07-11 01:07:03

Do you know what the Upper Ventricular Pacing Limit is on your pacemaker? Without going into great detail, hitting the upper limit can cause erratic beats. You mention your regular rate during the climb was about 124. If the upper limit was set to 130 which is a common setting, it would only take a small increase from a steeper part of the trail to reach it.

I had this problem early on with mine where the Upper Limit was set to 120. Just walking into a desert wind on the flats was enough to cause chaos. After a minor flap I finally had mine set to 150 and the problem vanished. I've hiked around in Colorado at 13,000+ ft with no problem.

The important thing is to take responsibility for limiting your HR yourself and get the pacer out of the way.

frank

Good Question

by Creaky - 2011-07-11 10:07:13

I don't know. I have a Medtronic Adapta DR. Will have to research the properties. Thanks.

Possible Increased Respiration Triggered Tachy

by kevinuncc - 2011-07-11 10:07:21

Do you have a dual sensor device that measures both your hr and respiratory? If so, that could be the culprit as your intensity increased, so did your respiratory rate, and therefore your pacer compensated for the increased respiratory that led to a rapid hr. Just a hunch.

Kevin

Frank, Janet

by Creaky - 2011-07-11 11:07:08

Frank- My upper limit is set at 160, a setting which I requested when I first received the PM back in Sept. so that probably isn't the issue. Your suggestion that I keep my HR under control makes alot of sense.

Janet- We'll see what they say next week. I have the time of the incident noted. It did self correct so I'm not too worried, just concerned.

Thanks both for the comments.

Harry

When you go in for your check-up

by janetinak - 2011-07-11 12:07:30

They can tell you what it was & hopefully nothing to be worried about. I was told in the past that I had some V-tach episodes but not too worry as self corrected & limited. As I understand it the PM keeps a 3 month history (least mine does) & they can tell what happened.

Hope that helps,

Janet

Follow Up

by Creaky - 2011-07-12 04:07:20

The Medtronic Adapta ADDR01 which I have, apparently senses other factors in addition to HR. That definitely could be a contributing factor since the episode occurred just at the completion of a steep section.
I will follow up with the EP's when I'm in for the 6 week check- that will be next week.
I know it's not helpful to over-think these things. Will post results of the check-up.
Thanks again
Harry

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