Time zones

Hi everyone! We are planning a trip to Europe this summer and I'm wondering if the pacemaker updates the time automatically like cell phones in different time zones? 

The question comes to my mind since I had a setting changed during the nightime to save battery's lifetime while I'm asleep. Since there is a 6 hour difference , would this affect how the pacemaker works while traveling? E.g. While awake and active in Europe I would normally be sleeping back home. 

3 Comments

Time zones

by BillH - 2017-03-29 21:10:29

The PM does not have anyway of knowing where it is (or more accurately where you are). Thus it can not update it's time clock.

Check with your doctor about either turning it off before leaving or  getting it changed after you get there.

 

BTW, some devices use a time of day setting. Some others use a combination of activity level and if the HR stays regular. That type does not need to be changed as it adjust to current conditions and not time of day.

Answer from my doctor

by Dil - 2017-03-30 09:23:54

Thanks Bill H for your comment. I asked my doctor and he says that in fact, the pacemaker does not adjust the time automatically, but in my case, since I'm not completely dependent on the pacemaker (I have SSS, and have only had AV blocks very few times), the change made in the settings should not affect me while traveling. Since the pacemaker adapts to exercise, if right now for example, I wake up at night, it will respond by increasing the rate if needed. Everyday we learn new things from our devices! By the way, after the implant in December, I have felt much better, now I don't feel dizzy or about to pass out anymore. Thank God they found what was happening! and thanks to all of you for your support and answers.

lower limit

by dwelch - 2017-03-30 23:59:03

Interesting feature, but my guess is it probably just uses a lower limit during what would normally be your nighttime, and then a higher (lower) limit the rest of the day, and as you already found out, if your activity dictates a different rate it is just going to run with that just like it would at daytime.  If your body wants to go to a low rate while sleeping then you would hit the lower limit, when active you are ideally between the lower and upper limits.  What it might do for you though is from the time change you may be trying to sleep with a higer limit and may not sleep so well...

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Do feel free to contact the manufacturer of your device. I have found them to be quite helpful when I have had questions and concerns.