Pacemaker Club: Magnet Rate

Magnet Rate

by wrig45
2011-01-14 12:01:45
Batteries & Leads
3971 views
2 comments

I have a Guidant dual chamber pacemaker because I have total heart block. I'm on my 2nd pacer which was installed in 2006. Insurance has cut back my PM checks to once per 3 months. I have these done at my cardiologist's office. Last week I had one done and I just got a call that my magnet rate was actually 113 instead of 100. The cardiologist wants me to come in for an interrogation to see what is going on. He said he is not alarmed and that it doesn't have to be done immediatley. Has anyone experienced that before? My interrogation appointment is in 3 weeks. Should I insist on having it done sooner?

2 Comments

Magnet Rate

by SMITTY - 2011-01-14 08:01:44

Hello,

My understanding of magnet rate is that is the rate at which the pacemaker will pace a heart when a magnet is placed over the PM. To do this the magnet shifts the pacemaker to a different mode of operation and during this time and paces the heart at a constant rate. Without the magnet the pacemaker is an on demand PM and paces the heart only as needed.

I am puzzled as to why your Dr even brought this up to you for as I said earlier the magnet rate is in effect only when there is a magnet controlling the PM operation and that usually happens only in the Dr offoce. Of course, I realize your Dr knows a lot more about pacemakers than yours truly so my ideas about magnet rate may not even apply in your case.

If you are concerned about waiting for another three weeks I suggest you call the Dr and ask if it is okay to wait. I feel sure if you were at any risk they would have you come in sooner.

Good luck,

Smitty

Magnet Rate

by wrig45 - 2011-01-20 04:01:36

Just a follow-up. I spoke with my primary Cardiologist and he informed me that sometimes the magnet can pick up beats from both leads, thus the higher rate. He said that he can clearly read that the ventricular rate is at 100. So he said he is not at all worried.