extra heart beat

Hello! Thank you for the messages concerning my PM, especially the use of the left arm - still a problem but getting better, just as it is supposed to.

My PM, which was inserted on Dec. 22, 2010, is not because I have a low heart rate, but a high one. I also have Afib, and my blood pressure is already low enough, so I had trouble tolerating the heart rate lowering drugs. I had an avnode ablation, and a pace maker put in. The rate is pretty high but will be lowered after three months. I am totally dependent on the PM for my heart beating - which is scary! Also, being dependent on a computer for staying alive is something I'm growling about getting used to. I had a fluttering in the right side of my heart mostly when I bent over - as in loading the dishwasher etc. The beat was the 90 a minute rate of the PM.
Amazing machinery, the technician found the voltage had been set too high - when he lowered the voltage, yesterday, the extra beating stopped. They had already allowed me to stop Metropol which was making me dizzy, and Limitrol (oops - or something like that) will stop soon. I do NOT need lower blood pressure. I feel a bit odd today, but I'm hoping all is well. Anyone else go through something like this?
Judy

4 Comments

extra heartbeat

by veronika - 2011-01-21 03:01:57

Hi judy, my heart rate is very high as well. Have a PM since dec. 28. I also have Afib BUT my bloodpressure is skyrocketting. I also had an AV node ablation after the implant. I just was "tweaked" on wednesday from 60bpm to 80bpm. it's only two days but I find it high, but will give it a few weeks to see. I am paced 100% in the ventricle and 61% in the atrium. Yes it is scary. sometimes I get a flutter, my heart rate since the last visit is between 93-103. So today the EP put me on a beta blocker and see how it will affect the BP and therefore the HR???!! we will see. If not I will ask to be "tweaked" to maybe 70. see what he says. I am allergic to Metropopol , could not take it. Hope things will improve for us. I believe when they have "tweaked" us into the right setting, we will be like little chicks, hopping around and be happy.
good luck, judy
veronika

Idea for a new section

by ElectricFrank - 2011-01-21 11:01:17

Maybe we need to start a new section on the forum where people with extra heart beats could offer them to those of use that are missing some. LOL

frank

Worry about being dependent

by ElectricFrank - 2011-01-21 11:01:43

You might look at it this way. People who are naturally paced are 100% dependent on a little nerve bundle in the heart that has a higher failure rate than pacemakers. As an engineer I feel better with having mine AV bundle "wired around".

Extra Beat Too

by kwdamelio - 2011-01-22 12:01:00

I have been paced sinced 2008. I am on Zebeta and Tabacor to slow the AFIB down. Also had an ablation prior (OUCH)! I know I am dependant on the pacer but once in a while it throws in a additional beat. We need to get use to our New Normal! Great book.

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

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