rapid heart rate

Hello all! I had my PM implanted Sept. 30th. I had a lot of discomfort with my incision site, and surrounding areas. As of yesterday I started feeling much better pain wise. I had surgery due to severe bradycardia. Since my pacemaker, I've had a number of concerning issues. I do have an appointment tomorrow to have my staples removed, as well as a pacemaker check. Prior to leaving the hospital, I was informed my pacemaker settings were 60-150. During mild activity; such as, lying, sitting, short walking distances I feel good. However with an increase or orthostatic activity my heart rate increases from 60/70 to 120/140. This is very short lived, usually only around a minute, but during that minute I feel like my heart is going to explode. Just going from the kitchen to lay in my bed my heart rate jumps. I also have a weird sensation in when my pm kicks in i get a vibration. I called the manufacturer and they stated my model shouldn't "vibrate". I also feel as if my PM is settling much lower in my chest. I know all my concerned will be answered tomorrow. I would have went much sooner, but I am a stubborn patient:) Any input will be much appreciated.

8 Comments

addendum

by Tick-tock - 2013-10-09 11:10:17

Let me add, that I also get a sharp pain with deep breathing, or certain positions. Yes, I know this is a symptom of a blood clot. I have had this symptom with previous surgeries. It feels like gas pains up into my shoulder such as those people experience with laparoscopic surgeries. Every lap surgery I have had these issues, had xray or CT to rule out clot. This is why I have not taken this so serious, maybe I should since it is not a lap surgery.......

Classy5822Lady

by Classy5822Lady - 2013-10-09 11:10:21

I had mine implanted Aug 16. Mine jumps from 70 to 84 from just walking into the kitchen. The dr said that was fine. I think I am not used to feeling a heart beat in the past and have to get used to it.

Settings

by PacerRep - 2013-10-09 11:10:44

Not sure what model device you have but your activity sensor, most likely your accelerometer needs to be adjusted. Your heart should not be jumping up that fast while being sedentary. When you go in tomorrow have them adjust the sensor. Also you can bring the upper rate down if it's uncomfortable for you. 150 is pretty fast, Unless your an athlete 120 or 130 should suffice.

Sharp pocket pains are normal for the amount of time you've had the device, but certainly seek a medical examination. Many of your nerves were irritated and manipulated for that surgery so they are all just settling back down.

Yup,

by PacerRep - 2013-10-10 02:10:58

Accelerometer only for that one, have them adjust the sensitivity on it, it's a pretty simple thing to do.

PacerRep

by Tick-tock - 2013-10-10 12:10:48

I have a St Jude PM1210 (i will never forget my model - it's my anniversary date :)

Similar experience

by lucyb - 2013-10-16 02:10:57

I had my PM implanted 2 weeks ago and I am also noticing a rapid heart-rate which seems to jump up extraordinarily quickly. Similar to you, I notice this especially when I get up out of bed at night, or in the day when I take a brisk walk. It makes me feel a bit giddy and short of breath.

I had my 2 week check up today and they didn't seem too concerned about it, but I can't help but wonder if this is something that will pass or if I'm stuck with it.

I don't think the accelerometer is applicable to me(?), because I have a working sinus node which dictates the pacing, with a minimum of 50 and a max of 160 (as I'm quite young). My resting HR prior to pacing was 40.

The nurse practitioner who tested my PM today said it was nothing to worry about, because its my own heart dictating the rate naturally... but if this is the way my heart is meant to be, why does it feel so unpleasant!?!

Lucy_b

by Tick-tock - 2013-10-16 07:10:34

Just sharing my experience- they did an adjustment at my 10 follow up. My sensor was changed in the office from maxing out at 150 to 120. I feel much better at the 120 setting- changing of positions is not as noticeable to me now.

Sgates1210

by lucyb - 2013-10-17 01:10:15

Thank you so much for sharing this! It's really good to know about your experience. I'm going to see how I go with it (seeing as I'm young and active I don't want to restrict myself too much with a low max) but if I'm still finding it uncomfortable at my next checkup, I might ask them to decrease my max too. I just walked up two flights of stairs and my heart felt like it was RACING (I checked straight after and it was 130bmn) and maybe I just need to get used to it, and let my body recover at bit more, but at the moment it makes me feel out of breath and tired! I live in NYC and climb 9 flights of stairs just in the course of my morning commute to work, so getting puffed and tired after two is not so great for me! (I never had a problem racing up all the stairs prior to getting my PM.)

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

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