Irregular pacing after meals

I had my first pacemaker implanted in 1998 to eliminate chronic atrial fibrillation. From that time my life was transformed, and I have had no problems at all during the past 13 years. My first box change was in 2005, and I had my second in December 2012.
However, recently I have occasionally experienced irregular pacing after eating, which is uncomfortable but usually lasts for a fairly short time (between 5 and 20 minutes) before regular pacing is restored.
Has anyone else experienced this and, if so, is there any way to eliminate it, e.g. getting the pacemaker clinic to adjust the device?
Any advice would be welcome.

3 Comments

Fairly common

by ElectricFrank - 2013-03-01 02:03:22

A full stomach can put pressure on the vegus nerve which has branches in both the stomach and heart. I've noticed it especially if I sit at my computer after a meal and slightly hunched forward. I've had this for years, even before the pacer.

It depends on the nature of the irregular HR whether the pacer could be adjusted to help.

frank

Pacing

by daisy41763@yahoo.com - 2013-03-01 04:03:18

How do you know it's pacing ? I never feel mine
I know after I eat I slow down and ready to take a fat nap
Since I've had heart issues it's been this way.
I always ask the dr questions. Just write stuff down
And last time I just handed her the paper.
She was glad I wrote it out.

PACs

by ebfox - 2013-03-01 11:03:16

To elaborate on Frank's comment, you are probably feeling PACs. Smaller meals may help, also low carbing helps some people.

EB

You know you're wired when...

You have a maintenance schedule just like your car.

Member Quotes

A pacemaker suddenly quitting is no more likely to happen than you are to be struck by lightening.