What is this?

Has anyone ever felt a thud like pacing coming from the lower left lead on a Biventricular PM. It feels like with each beat you are getting nudged in the diaphragm. I'm paced at a lower rate of 90 and my sensitivity is on max settings so it's pretty intense. It comes and goes and doesn't last but a few beats at a time. Any thoughts?

2 Comments

Diaphragmatic pacing

by golden_snitch - 2014-08-22 01:08:51

Yes, I have had this problem with my left ventricular lead, too. It's diaphragmatic pacing, and it's actually not that uncommon in CRT devices. The sensitivity is not the issue. Usually, diaphragmatic pacing can be stopped by lowering the amplitude (output voltage) and/or pulse width (how long the electrical stimulus is delivered). Just let your cardio know, and he/she will surely know what to do.

Inga

I feel it!

by eviemae - 2014-08-23 05:08:11

I have had my amplitude lowered already and can still feel it if my heart skips more than one beat in a row. My Dr. told me it will happen from time to time but that it happens more in younger people due to our muscles being stronger ( im 27). The Dr. I just switched to due to moving told me its not possible to feel it...but I think I will listen to my old one. If you find out anything on it let me know! Im still a little confused on it as well.

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