AMS episodes

Hi
Can anyone explain what is an AMS episode that is detected on an interrogation? How many are normal and are 600 in 3 months considered a lot? Any info will be appreciated .

1 Comments

What is an AMS?

by donr - 2015-01-12 11:01:03

It is a switch in pacing modes by your PM - Automatic Mode Switch.

It would help some if you were to fill in all the data asked for in the member profile - like what kind of PM you have, your reason for having it, etc. That way we don't have to take skimpy info & GUESS to give you answers.

You told us you have an ICD - therefore you have a VENTRICULAR problem that can require Defibrillation.

Since you have the AMS switching algorithm turned on, you have a problem w/ Atrial Tachycardia, so they do not want your Ventricles trying to beat as fast as the Atria when it is in a Tachy beating rate. The AMS switches your PM from a pacing mode that includes the Atria to one that paces only the Ventricles till the Pm senses that the Tachy episode is over.

You ask if 600 in 90 days is a lot? Depends on a lot of issues - mainly how long each Tachy episode is. 600 in 90 days is ABOUT 65 per day, or ABOUT 5 of the episodes every 2 hours. How bad that is turns out to be a judgement call on your part - how do they make you feel?

How many are "Normal"? You ask? Zero for someone w/ an unaffected heart. From there it depends on your situation.
Donr

You know you're wired when...

You trust technology more than your heart.

Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.