93% dependent on my pacemaker

You pace what you pace

by Theknotguy - 2017-07-04 20:12:15

You don't really want to get hung up on what percentage you pace.  I was bradacardic which means I had a slow heartbeat.  They set the pacemaker at 60 beats per minute which is faster than what my normal heartbeat was running.  Consequently I'll pace 80 to 90% of the time.  No big deal.  

When I didn't have the pacemaker my heart rate was dipping into the 50 beats per minute and sometimes slower.  There were several times I almost passed out because my heart rate was so slow.  So my "normal" heartbeat was way below the 60 beats per minute at which my pacemaker is set.  

So even though you pace 93% of the time it doesn't necessarily mean your heart isn't working, it could just mean your heart rate isn't at the 60 beats per minute at which your pacemaker is set.  Especially true if you're resting or sleeping.  

Does it mean your heart would stop beating if the pacemaker stopped working.  Not necessarily.  Your heart would drop down to the natural heartbeat rate which could be in the 50's or lower.  You might not feel good, but you won't necessarily die.  

I'm three plus years with the pacemaker in my chest.  I've grown very fond of the higher heart rate and extra oxygen to all parts of the body.  So I don't get hung up on the pacing percentage rate.  I just enjoy the better life I have now.  

Hope everything else is going well for you.  

Pacing

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-07-05 08:08:04

I agree with theknotguy.  I was 64 yrs old when Chip (my pm) was installed and pace at 100%. It does not mean my heart is not working.  It is still capable of beating on its own.

Over 10 years ago a coworker had to have total cardiac ablation and is completely pm dependent. Today he leads an active life.

100% paced here

by Grateful Heart - 2017-07-05 09:40:57

We are all different and it depends on your condition/ diagnosis but in my case, between my CRT-D, meds, great doctors and lifestyle/ diet changes... my heart has improved greatly.  It is no longer enlarged....truly remarkable.

Of course I still have the electrical problems with my heart.  SSS and LBBB still exist but the CRT takes care of that. 

Try not to be concerned about the % of pacing.  I've had my device for 8 1/2 years.  Take comfort in knowing your device is doing it's job. 

Grateful Heart  

Don't think so

by doublehorn48 - 2017-07-05 09:41:16

I think the first two comments  are spot on.

I was 37 when I got my first pm.  When I got on a treadmill my heart rate would drop to below 40 beats.  After having the pm for a year or two my heart rate would go above what the max was set at, which was 160 beats.  The techs couln't believe my heart rate could go above 160. I believe it got up to 180+.

Now at 68 I am fully dependent on the pm.  When the pm is turned down my heart doesn't respond at 30 beats.  My heart may or may not beat on its own.  The pm is not turned off completely.  But so what?  I'm still active and I still run.

So, I don't think your heart will get stronger, but I could be wrong.

Before my first pm I knew something was wrong and I feared I would never see my two year old daughter turn twenty.

Sarah gave birth to her second child June 20.  Grandpa got to hold him again yesterday on July 4.  Life is good.

thank you for the replies :)

by Kicker - 2017-07-05 09:57:57

Thank you so much for taking the time, to give me these comments. Comforting knowing others who have a pacemaker and their experiences. Have a great summer and thank you!