Fast heart rate

hi all. I just got my pacemaker six days ago for a heart block. I work at home in front of a computer so I have gone back to work yesterday. But I can say one thing I noticed is my heart rate is running now in the 80's to upper 90's. I am feeling this with feeling dizzy and just fatigue. My rate is set at 60 and is single lead. My heart issue has always been SVT and have had an ablation a few years ago. I guess my question is if these symptoms are normal while your heart is adjusting to the lead within your heart. And is so how long it might take to get through this?

5 Comments

Heart rate/PM

by Artist - 2015-08-14 06:08:54

Your pacemaker primarily functions to prevent your heart rate from falling below a certain rate. It does not prevent your heart from beating faster. You indicate you have SVT and had an oblation several years ago. Your arrhythmia can cause your heart rate to increase. I suggest calling your doctor and discussing your symptoms, especially the dizziness and weakness. If you are already taking medications to treat the heart rhythm problems they might need some changes. It is also normal to go through a series of adjustments to your PM settings as you go to follow up appointments. Since you are only 6 days post op, it is common to feel fatigued from the surgical trauma. People rebound from their surgery at different rates depending on things such as their age, and physical condition. The important thing is to increase activity slowly and let your body be your guide. Your dizziness is a concern and you probably should call your doctor about that along with discussing your other symptoms.

PM install

by RoytheBoy - 2015-08-14 07:08:20

Hi, I had my PM implanted eight weeks ago and have just been for my first download and check, but following the implant one week later I was rushed back into A&E as my heart rate ate hit 158 I am now on a low dose of Beta Blocker which now keeps me stable at 60-65 pulse

I agree

by knb123 - 2015-08-14 07:08:44

Roy and Artist have zeroed in on the most salient points. Take another look at your discharge instructions: did they mention dizziness and/or fatigue as symptoms to watch for and advise the doctor about? I would definitely check in with the doctor. Meanwhile, some personal reflection...

I, too, work from home (at a computer). When I attempted to return to work within a week post-PM (just to bill a couple of clients, nothing major), I also experienced dizziness and a general malaise. Some people on this site suggested I was overdoing it; a call to my doctor's office quickly reinforced that "diagnosis."

Take it from those of us who have pushed too hard: baby yourself a little for these first few weeks. Your body needs it.

Thanks

by gayla - 2015-08-15 09:08:50

yes I feel I went back to work to soon. I am a case manager nurse and reach out to people virtually so I figured that sitting in a chair all day would not hurt. Wrong.
I was exhausted by end of day, heart rate 90 to 110 and my bp jumping up immediately just walking across room
My follow up appointment is Tuesday so I am anxious to discuss with EP cardiologist. They had discussed another ablation again but the issue is the irritable focus is sitting next to my phrenic nerve. Can't knock that out.
I am on medications for the SVT so I think they will need to tweak. And pacemaker adjustments needs to be made
Maybe. I think I expected to be "good as new" with the pacemaker. And not giving myself time to recover.
Thanks for suggestions. I'm used to moving fast, multitasking but my heart is not letting me now. I'm 65 and have to work.

Thanks

by gayla - 2015-08-15 09:08:56

yes I feel I went back to work to soon. I am a case manager nurse and reach out to people virtually so I figured that sitting in a chair all day would not hurt. Wrong.
I was exhausted by end of day, heart rate 90 to 110 and my bp jumping up immediately just walking across room
My follow up appointment is Tuesday so I am anxious to discuss with EP cardiologist. They had discussed another ablation again but the issue is the irritable focus is sitting next to my phrenic nerve. Can't knock that out.
I am on medications for the SVT so I think they will need to tweak. And pacemaker adjustments needs to be made
Maybe. I think I expected to be "good as new" with the pacemaker. And not giving myself time to recover.
Thanks for suggestions. I'm used to moving fast, multitasking but my heart is not letting me now. I'm 65 and have to work.

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As for my pacemaker (almost 7 years old) I like to think of it in the terms of the old Timex commercial - takes a licking and keeps on ticking.