HR, just looking for opinion

2 days ago went for check up adjustment. As I posted than couple changes were made just not what I thought and that brings me to looking for opinions. For some reason my Pacemaker is set for 40. Is this to low? I am sitting doing nothing hr is 40 -45, prior to pm heart rate would probably not be much lower. The average would run about 42 prior to pm varring low 30's to mid 40's. My cardiologist is a wonderful but just thinking PM's not really her specialty. I am feeling a little tired and cold today just thinking 40 may be a bit low? She did say that she could refer my to a PM specialist in Boston or Ohio, just don't know if that is necessary. I could just go to a arrhythmia specialist in Hartford see what they have to say. I am/was pretty active and I know a cardiologist is a heart specialist still not to sure about her setting the PM that low. She just says you are in good shape try the settings for 30 days, again i was told setting were 40 at night 45 day. I had asked for 40 ar night 50 for day. Do I just give it 30 days and not be concerned and see what she does at the next check up or do I lookfor someone with more pacemaker experience?

6 Comments

go to the specialist

by Tracey_E - 2014-11-22 05:11:44

Why have it if it's only going to keep you at 40? It's really rare to put it under 50, most of them are set to not go under at least 60. It has nothing to do with being in shape. Esp if you don't feel well. You need someone who knows what they're doing! Many cardiologists are plumbers, you need an electrician.

bradycardia

by ladybug55 - 2014-11-22 11:11:05

I was running 40-50 before pacemaker and am set at 62 now ( and pace about 80 percent of the time). When I fell below 48 or so I felt tired and breathing was off. Technically anything under 60 is bradycardia so 40 seems mighty low. I would get it adjusted, see how it feels in her office for a bit before leaving - and yes think about getting someone more versed in this field.

slow I think

by vattens1 - 2014-11-23 05:11:54

Mine was poor in because it was slow 45 bam and 20 when I was asleep. It's set at min 60 which I believe is the average rate. Think I'd ask to speed it up a bit and go to specialist

40 seems low

by TJ319 - 2014-11-24 05:11:35

My normal rate prior to implant was under 35 with AV block. Once the PM was implanted, the set my resting rate at 60 for the first few months then raised it to 70, which has been very comfortable. After one year with the PM, my general advice is to speak up to your doctor if you are not feeling well and insist on adjustments.

at the cardiologist

by wjs1954 - 2014-11-24 12:11:40

PM rep will do nothing without getting ok from Doc. Just the way it is....

speed up?

by Gotrhythm - 2014-11-24 12:11:49

I agree with the others. 40 sounds awfully low. But I don't get what the issue about speeding it up is.

A rate adjustment is no big deal. The tech who does the interrogation can do it without any special input from the doctor--at least at my doctor's office. Just a month ago, I told her I thought my upper limit which was 90 was too low and she raised it to 140.

If I were you I wouldn't wait. The holidays are upon us, a busy time for all of us. Raising the base rate is an easy fix. Why shouldn't you feel as good as you can?

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