Rate Drop Response

Hello out there,

I just had my pacemaker interegated this week and found out there were 213 Rate Drop drop episodes detected since my first implant on 1/6/2012.

I will be seeing the EP next week for discussion.

I was wondering if this might have something to do with my exercise, I jog 5-6 times a week for over and hour, and stop without really walking it off for a couple of minutes.

Has anyone ever had this type of situation happen to them.

4 Comments

Interesting thought

by ElectricFrank - 2012-02-25 03:02:07

If the rate drop detection is set to trigger on your natural drop after exercise it could be.

frank

rate drop

by busby - 2012-02-25 05:02:17

Hi Moner,
I also just had my new pacemaker interrogated. My old PM always gave a reading of >254 episodes. Now this new one, which is only 5 mths old gave a reading of 9,419 rate drop episodes. That's about 60/day. I think, from what I have seen in the past that most of these drops occur while I am asleep and not from exercise. I was amazed at my interrogation just how fancy this new advisor Medtronic PM is. It even measures fluid retention episodes.
Good luck with the EP
Robin

Thanks

by Moner - 2012-02-25 10:02:17

Hello ElectricFrank & Littlerob,

Thanks for your feedback, rate drop response sounds so intimidating, from what I can read from my report, I believe my sleep response is turned off.

I truly appreciate both your responses, I'm gradually getting used to this new device in me. I really don't want any special funtions turned on, if I don't need it.

I had this PM implanted due to fainting episodes from stomach viruses over a course of 20 years.

It's good to hear from you again ElectricFrank, from what I have observed, you're quite the celebrity out here in the Pacemaker Club.

I have them all fooled

by ElectricFrank - 2012-02-26 01:02:48

I've learned from the politicians.

I agree about the special functions. Keep it simple and only turn them on if absolutely needed. It seems that the default these days is have most of them ON from the factory. They figure that they won't kick in unless you have the problem they are meant for. That's expecting a lot from the little device.

I doubt that anyone at Medtronics thought an 80+ yr old like me would be out for my morning walk into a 35 MPH wind so engage the treatment for tachycardia. Keep my HR below 120.

I'm the same way about meds. Start with none and only add what is needed. If one doesn't work then stop it before going to something else. Using this approach I've never gone beyond start with none.

frank

You know you're wired when...

You forecast electrical storms better than the weather network.

Member Quotes

At age 20, I will be getting a pacemaker in few weeks along with an SA node ablation. This opportunity may change a five year prognosis into a normal life span! I look forward to being a little old lady with a wicked cane!