possible pacemaker issues

I had a biotronik pacemaker implanted six weeks ago for a mobitz 2 heart block. My recovery was very fast and I started working out with my eliptical and treadmille a few days later.. (bowflex about three weeks,  with docs approval) The only problem that I am having is that  my heart rate will speed up to 130 -140 bpm.for no apparent reason occasionalyand, it only lasts for 15 to 20 seconds then goes away. The settings on my pacemaker are 60-150. I did have an interogation about a week ago where the technician said that she did not see any events and that everything is working correctly. She also told me that no sensors i.e. cls are turned on because I don't need them considering that my issue is a block only. I don't have any  other issue according to my cardiologist. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

5 Comments

PM issues

by Jackw - 2017-04-10 22:33:22

Perhaps these events are getting lost in the exercise data. Since you are working out vigorously I assume your rate is getting up to or near 150. Did you get to tell this to the cardiologist? Might require a more sophisticated monitor to separate out these events from exercise.

If these are happening when you are at rest (ie: rate in the 60-70 range) and the rate response is really turned off, it must not be a pm problem. I have a differnt problem (sick sinus and CI) but did develop aflutter and my heart was running at 130 at rest. Had to fix that before dealing with the sick sinus.  Now have a pm (also Biotronik but with CLS turned on) and am doing very well.

There is a known issue with CLS: If you are at rest but change positions (for me, rolling over) quickly the pm takes the rate up to 90 or so (for me) but it fades back to resting rate in 20 seconds or so. So you might want to just confirm that CLS is turned off for you. For me this is a minor problem that I can manage and the benefits of much greater exercise tolerance. far outweigh the issue.  

Heart rate

by Cajun Girl - 2017-04-11 00:32:03

I had my CLS turned off and then started with shortness of breath on mild exertion.  After a few months my PM was checked by someone else and they turned off the accelerator.  Now all my pacemaker does is keep my heart rate at 60 or above.  I had sic sinus syndrome.  I also have a biotronik.  They don't tell you about these things that are built into the pm.  You need to ask and request they turn them off with the understanding if you feel worse they will turn them back on.

CLS?

by Paced2017 - 2017-04-11 09:17:03

Some of you are using the abbreviation CLS - can you explain what this is. Thanks!

ClS

by billylt65 - 2017-04-11 09:44:28

It is a sensor function exclusive to a Biotronik p.m. if you have another type it won't have this function.

Sensitivity

by PaulFromSydney - 2017-04-12 01:23:15

I am not an expert (but have a Biotronik's with CLS on) and have had many adjustments until it is working well for me. There is a sensitivity setting that determines how quickly the HR will respond to any exertion / movement. You may have this too high. Mine occassionally goes high from little exertion (even get it when driving a car) but I have chosen to leave the settings as it raises the HR well when I am commencing a run. I can live with the HR rise for feeling good when exercising.

If it is really bothering you you could

a. have the sensitivity adjusted

b. get a monitored stress test (have the biotonik rep monitor the readings whilst you are on a start walking on a treadmill).

Good luck Paul

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.