Heart Starts Racing

Whenever I do any activity that jiggles my pacemaker (jog, wash armpit while showering, shake a bottle of dressing, etc.) my heart begins racing to over 100 bpm. Slows down after 1-2 minutes, but quite disconcerning. Pacing is set at 63 bpm. Anyone else had this issue? Diagnosis?

2 Comments

Accelerometer

by golden_snitch - 2015-07-12 03:07:27

Agree with Theknotguy: The rate response sensor might be switched on and cause this. All Medtronic pacemakers have an accelerometer for rate response, Medtronic doesn't work with any other rate response sensors. So, you need to find out, if the accelerometer has been activated. Not everyone needs it. Typically, patients with sinus node issues need a rate response sensor, like an accelerometer. People with heart blocks only, but a healthy sinus node normally do not need it. If it is switched on, one can, as Theknotguy said, change the way it reacts. Just tell your doctor that it's starts increasing your heart rate with little movement, and he should know what to do. Good luck!

Accelerometer

by Theknotguy - 2015-07-12 03:07:39

Does your Medtronic have an accelerometer? That could be the culprit.

Mine does. I have to be careful when the dog wants to play tug and shake. If I hold the rope with my left hand, sometimes the dog can kick off my PM when she shakes the rope too hard.

Grabbed a sawzall saw. Forgot about the PM and used the saw with my left arm. Bore down on the saw. Vibration went up my arm and kicked off the PM. One of the guys in the shop came over and asked me if I was OK. "You had the strangest look on your face.", he said.

Was on a large bus. Vibration from the engine was bad in one of the rows of seats. Kicked off my PM. Had to change seats.

You might want to see if there is a sensitivity setting for the accelerometer on the PM. If so, maybe they can turn it down a bit. I've just learned what to avoid with mine. Or if it gets set off, just say to myself, "Stupid just woke up again!" And I agree, it is quite disconcerting.

If you can't find out if your PM has an accelerometer, you can call Medtronic direct. I've quit calling them because I get the you'll-have-to-consult-with-your-doctor response. But you can try.

Hope this helps.

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

Member Quotes

Yesterday I moved to a new place in my mind and realized how bad I felt 'before' and the difference my pacemaker has made.