Boston Scientific Altrua & track running

I've recently upgraded from a PM that would not support HRs high enough to let me get back to my competitive running - from 200m on the track to marathons on the road. I haven't started trying to train yet, as the implant was May22. But I'm interested to contact any athletes who have this model implanted

5 Comments

Runing ok for me

by mels - 2012-06-02 06:06:42

My Boston Scientific Altrua 60 was inserted several months ago and set with a 50/150 range. This range is enough for me at age 80 to train for January's Rock and Roll Marathon. The period before the PM was one in which bradycardia ruled and for running my condition was poor. It has taken a bit of recovery time to get back to reasonable training. Sprints worry me as the heart rate has to go up so rapidly and this is not comfortable. I do use the first mile of a workout to ease into the workout as the beat can soar momentarily if I go in to quickly.
Mels

To Mels

by willow2011 - 2012-06-02 07:06:11

I'm not sure I'm posting these comments correctly - what exactly does "Title" refer to?
Mels
I'm encouraged to know that you were able to train for and complete a marathon - congratulations. Maybe won the 80+ category?
Thank you for the suggestion re easing into a w/o so the HR can rise at an even pace. I'll give it a try in a week or two.
Willow2011

to COBradyBunch

by willow2011 - 2012-06-02 07:06:20

My prblem is not with the high setting but with the low - apparently it can't be set below 50 bpm resting, and I've had a resting bpm in the low 40s range for years.
Other than that - first to Marye - I am not that young - 74.
I am not 100% paced at all - initial problem was sick sinus syndrome with bradycardia and "flatlining" which caused lightheadedness, of course. I believe my highest rate is 160 right now, but I've had it less than two weeks, so haven't begun to test it out
It's a Altrua 60 S401 - don't know how that differs from other Altrua models.
I will check out the facebook suggestion, but I'm not very skilled at accessing FB - but I'll try.

Boston Scientific

by willow2011 - 2012-06-02 07:06:54

Sorry to read your PM is not programmed to allow you to do all you want. I understand from my PM tech that this make and model is complex to program, and may need quite a bit of adjusting
Diane

What are you settings?

by COBradyBunch - 2012-06-02 12:06:10

I can't believe it won't set high enough for some athletics. What are the numbers it can be set for and are you 100% paced? I have mine for issues at the other end, bradying down to flatlines and haven't had a high end issue other than they having it set so low originally that I was freaked out because I would have blown through it one some of the easiest climbs. My RHR is right about 60 and my high end is somewhere in the 180s (highest I have hit this season is 179 which for a 53 year old is probably high enough but I know I could have pushed higher if needed).

BTW I have a BoSci 602 which is in the same family, but like I said, not 100% paced, just there to stop me from going flatline.

Hey, if you are on Facebook you might want to check out our group, Paced (as in Pacemaker Enhanced) Athletes:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/206748942750956/

You know you're wired when...

You fondly named your implanted buddy.

Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.