Problem with Pounding Heartbeat

My Medtronic PM was put in January 2014 and there has been a problem with pounding heartbeat every since. This is a problem that I never had with the previous Medtronic PM in the 8 years it lasted. The doctor says the PM is working as designed and has made a couple of adjustments, but the strong beats make it difficult to get to sleep or back to sleep in the middle of the night. It takes very little exertion to bring on shortness of breath and noticeable pounding. (Note: my aortic valve was replaced in June 2014 with a TAVR ; that is an animal tissue valve in a stent. An echo shows it is working satisfactorily.)
Has anyone had similar problems with and did a voltage adjustment make any difference in the pounding?

2 Comments

Thanks

by EdG - 2015-01-24 01:01:25

It's good to know that a voltage change helped. I asked for that change 6 months ago and the Dr. said "Oh No. You are pacemaker dependent and we wouldn't want to take a chance on losing the pacing!!" The User Manual for my PM shows that there are 10 settings from 0.5 to 5.0 volts. I'll be eagerly anticipating my next appointment in 11 days, and imagine I might have to watch my language if she makes a change and I too feel better.

Pounding gets better

by jmpetra - 2015-01-24 12:01:59

I think I know what you mean. I felt it banging and uncomfortable when I was just sitting and while trying to sleep. Helped a lot when they lowered the voltage. If still bothersome at night, look into Sleep Mode. That helped me, too. See other notes on this site about that, too.

You know you're wired when...

Your device acts like a police scanner.

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My pacemaker is intact and working great.