Change in rate

Hello, this is my first posting and I would first like to thank everyone who responds to these questions and concerns...it's so nice to see this supportive community on-line.
I received my PM 5 months ago (for sick sinus syndrome, symptomatic bradycardia) and have been doing fairly well after an initial adjustment period. My rate is set at 60 (previous to the implant, my 'normal' heart rate was in the high 50's to 60's). I am 61 and very active, fit and otherwise healthy. Recently I have started to feel lightheaded, tired, and my pulse is always 60 unless I am really moving around. I'll see someone at the pacemaker clinic this week, but here is my question - is it possible that 60 is too low for me now? Can a rate change to 65 be beneficial? Can a person experience a need for a rate change as the seasons change as this seems to have come on just as the weather is changing and I am freezing? I'll end there before I get too wordy. Thank you.

7 Comments

maybe

by Tracey_E - 2012-10-09 03:10:17

Ask when you see them! Tell them what's happening. I'm no professional, but it sounds to me like it's not the rate response needs adjusted. RR senses movement/exertion and raises your rate for you if your heart doesn't do it on its own. It has a lot of sensitivity settings so it's common to tweak it several times before it's just right for you.

thank you

by skyepacer - 2012-10-10 09:10:55

Thank you Emily and Stacey E....seems like that's where I'm heading, for a rate increase...I see the cardiologist on Friday and, as well do, hope for the best. Have a good day.

Rate change

by Emily_R - 2012-10-10 12:10:10

Hi I got my pacemaker about 8 months ago for sick sinus syndrome and bradycardia as well though I'm only 14. When I first got mine it was at 60bpm too and I was constantly tired and not feeling well. My cardiologist then decided to raise my heart rate to 75bpm and I felt fine after that. So it may be work it to talk to your cardiologist about it an see what they think.

Heart rate

by Caguy - 2012-10-11 04:10:38

Went to my Dr today about sweating and filling like I couldn't catch my breath so he made me walk real fast up and down the hall and then he checked my pulse ,it was at 73 but dropped back to the low 60's so he ajusted my p/M to do more for my heart and my pulse will be a little higher. He said for me to see how I fill and call him if theres any problems but so far everything seems to be working good.. So they do ajust your P/M to your heart.

appointment tomorrow

by skyepacer - 2012-10-11 10:10:22

I'll see the doctor tomorrow and imagine a visit like you described.....I am hoping for an adjustment up a bit...I'll let you know. Thank you.

Change in rate

by shaybill - 2012-10-20 12:10:03

If it is any consolation to skyepacer, my PM is set to pace at 40. I also was diagnosed with Sick Sinus Node syndrome. At first they had my PM set at 65 and we had a difficult adjustment time because whenever I slept the PM would pace and send my heart rate too high for what I was accustomed to. There is not words to describe how frustrating I felt to have to keep going to ER at night.
Finally, I decided to ask the doctor to lower my rate to 40. I am not pacemaker dependent and only using it at 3%. I have always competed in sports and have a natural low heart rate. So operating in the 50's or 60's rate is normal for me. Find what feels normal to you. When my heart rate increases to an unnatural rate, I am off to ER because it takes my breath away. It is best to keep your heart rate at a normal rate that you prefer and feel comfortable with. It takes time to find that happy place.

dizziness on exertion

by fiddlingranny - 2012-11-02 03:11:07

I am 77, and paced at 55 (raised it from 50, up to 120. It goes off about 21% of time. I don't exercise, so find that even a choir rehearsal makes me dizzy overnight. I read that dizziness could indicate PM malfunction. Anyone know anything about that?
btw, I had them raise from 50 to 55 bpm because I was feeling very tired for a couple of days. I just don't know what the long-term effects of this device are. Any ideas about whether one's heart really functions better, or is limited in some way by the PM? Maybe I've "aged out"!

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