Confused

Recently had PM re-set (Medtronic SEDR01) Then felt great, more energy, less shortness of breath, BUT I am concerned about unexplainable rapid pulse, i.e. 84 just walking across the room, lightheaded at times.

So much energy that I overdo things and then have joint problems.

How is the proper setting determined?

4 Comments

Rapid Pulse

by Pookie - 2011-01-18 02:01:38

Hi:)

It's just my opinion but I think you need to be seen by whoever makes adjustments to your pacemaker.

I'm sure you will get lots of replies to your post as this question has been brought up quite frequently.

I am thinking/guessing that you might have to have a stress test so your doctor(s) can see exactly what is happening.

I'm hoping TraceyE will respond because if I remember correctly she either had this happen to her or knows why it happens.

In the meantime, don't overdo things, and make an appointment to have your pacemaker interrogated if you can.

I really don't know how the PM techs determine what settings are correct for each individual, but I do know that many times it takes several visits to get your settings properly adjusted to your particular needs.

Good luck and keep us posted,
Pookie

Rapid pulse.

by Selwyn - 2011-01-18 06:01:38

I am pleased you are feeling better in general.

It is hard to know whether your rapid pulse is coming from the pacemaker settings or an abnormal heart rhythm. An event monitor or a 24 hour ECG would help tell the difference.

In general terms the top heart rate is set ( mine is 110) the bottom heart rate of starting ( mine is <60 ) , the rate of response for a demand pacemaker ( I have mine on fast !), that is the heart rate increase with exercise , and the rate of decline after exercise.

All of these settings can be personalised.
Hope this helps.

Rate Response?

by donb - 2011-01-18 08:01:12

Well, it's been 18 years of PM life for me and my first 2 PM were out of the box settings. Naturally without this support group and not getting any info from my Drs', I just got lucky and I rode along with the standard 60-120 settings. After getting older with my 3rd PM I finally had my settings checked with HR 60-130 as the limits. No mention of rate response but I soon learned that my new PM the rate response was turned on. With these limits and settings I had great get up & go. As I am also a Cardiac stent patient I found it very easy to exceed my top limit of 130 doing treadmill in my Cardiac Rehab program.

After my 1st year with this 3rd PM erosion started and had to have it removed. After removal my ECG showed only 1st degree electrical block. A couple months later I drifted back into 2nd degree block along with some A-Fib and needed my 4th PM. Now, I'm back to out of the box settings, 60-120, and no rate response. Results: My endurance on treadmill almost doubled while keeping my HR below 120 which has been a plus. I do miss the get up & go without rate response, I can't just jump and go at age 79 without some dizzyness. I am planning to ask for maybe getting my RR turned on & settings properly set next month with my regular appointment. Might mention I have had only 1 interrogation in all the years which was by a Medtronic Rep. which reminds me, missed my 3month phone check last week, got to do it in the morning. Wish me luck with my Cardiologist next month!! Probably will need it. I'll just use the Frank & Smitty approach. donb

Rapid Pulse

by cohl115 - 2011-01-18 11:01:08

many thanks to selwyn for the sugestions.

cohl115

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