slow startup to running

I have a Medtronic Consulta CRT-P.
Now three months post implantation I am back to running , being a 35 year plus marathoner. Implanted because of intermittent second degree block plus LBBB.
My running times are approaching my pre-LBBB levels but I am noticing a very sluggish first mile and my Polar heart rate is very erratic during that time , reading much higher than my counted pulse at wrist. Question are there settings on the Rate Response function that are involved?ADL rate is95.ADL response is set at 3 as is exertion response.Activity threshold is medium low and activity acceleration is 30 sec ADL setpoint is 17 and UR setpoint is 34.I realize older runners take longer to get "warmed up" and I noticed that trend even before the PM. Anyone with similar experience?

3 Comments

Rate Response

by Lisalac - 2016-01-21 09:01:45

I'm new to this as well (December 1 implant) and a marathoner and I'm not sure if you need the rate response on or not for your issue because I have bradycardia and sick sinus. I was having tons of issues with my running but I didn't need the rate response because my heart goes up fine on it's own. Once they turned off the rate response I was like a new woman. sorry that's not much help but if you don't need the rate response on it does feel a lot better with it off.

pacing and running

by Tracey_E - 2016-01-22 11:01:57

Don't count on the Polar. It can pick up pacing spikes as well as beats, that's why the numbers can be too high.

Theoretically if you don't have sinus issues- and generally with av block you do not- you shouldn't need rate response. Rate response is for when your rate doesn't go adequately on its own. It may be interfering with your natural sinus rate like happened to Lisa. Or it may help. I have av block also but was struggling with stamina. They turned it on and I do better with it on, go figure. Sometimes electrical problems are a mixed bag, we have a bit of this, a bit of that, and it takes a little experimenting to find the right settings. I would ask them to turn it off first.

ADL

by golden_snitch - 2016-01-23 08:01:54

Tracey is right, if it's "only" intermittent 2nd degree heart block and LBBB, your sinus node should be dictating the heart rate and you should therefore not need the rate response sensor. Usually, in patients who don't need the rate response, but in whom it's switched on, it creates just problems. ADL = activity in daily life, this does not include exercising, but only walking stairs etc.

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