Heart beating too fast

I posted a week or so ago and thanks so much for your responses. I went to the PM Clinic for a pacer check and my resting heart rate was 108. My pacer is set at 60 bpm and the lower section is paced all the time 100%. I have had a couple of incidences of AFib and that part works 30% of the time. I am really kind of concerned because my heart rate goes up to 120 even just getting up to go the bathroom and it takes 20 or 30 minutes for it to go down again to 72. I feel my heart and get shaky all the time. I'm using the bathroom more too maybe 2 or 4 times in the night. No sign of fluid retention though. The clinic made an appointment for me to see the Doctor on march 13 but I feel like that's too long to wait, so I'm seeing the PA on Feb 13 instead. Should I be worried about this? It doesn't seem right that I can't do anything but lie here without my heart racing away like that...or should I forget it and stop worrying and try to go about my life?

5 Comments

Tachycardia with pacemaker

by Truga - 2013-02-07 06:02:26

I understand your concern and likewise I would suggest that you see the EP cardiologist who inserted your PM.
I had a St. Jude PM (model 2210; atrial paced, ventricular sensed) placed after 3rd degree A-V block occurred after having an MI (ACS). My rate is set at 70 - 90. I also had subsequent episodes of rapid heart beat and exertional shortness of breath. Was placed on a beta blocker (Toprol-XL 50 mg daily, I take in the afternoon), which has helped considerably. You might want to ask about trying this medication. Good luck.

Toperol xl

by sprinklergal - 2013-02-07 08:02:31

I am already on Toprol xl and amlodipine been taking the Toprol for almost 3 years., since I first had the PM installed in fact. We added the Amlodipine this year but still the blood pressure is 140/65 even though we increased it to 10 from 5 mg.

Rate Response

by maureen.coxsey - 2013-02-08 03:02:33

Same thing happened to me, I had my response turned off as i didnt need it.
I only had to move and my heart would go mad its very upsetting when you dont know what it is.

Rate Response

by tammy11 - 2013-02-08 10:02:28

Is your rate response on? If so the sensitivity may be set too high. I was having the same problem and when I asked for the rep to check the sensitivity level sure enough it was set on the highest setting. Once it was lowered my heart rate slowed down and I was able to walk across the room without it jumping to 130.

AF suppression

by Truga - 2013-02-09 06:02:36

Sprinkler: Does your SJ PM have AF suppression (mine does)? When you have the tachycardia (rapid heart rate), is it from atrial fibrillation? Please give us a follow-up after your evaluation on Feb 13th.

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