big drop in percentage of time paced... causes?

Hi all, I'm in my 40s, have bradycardia, am very physically active. My pacer is set to pace me if my heart rate falls below 45. My resting heart rate is around 45, though of course hard to tell with the PM. I keep track of my stats and in the four or so years I've had my PM I've been paced 15-25% of the time. At my most recent remote appointment I was told I'm being paced 3% of the time since my last visit (about 6 months). The tech did not see any cause for alarm. I think it's really weird though. If anything I'm in better shape than I've ever been, exercise wise (which I would think would lower my resting HR). 

Anyone else in a similar position see wild swings like this? Obviously my worry is that it is indicative of a potential problem with the device or leads. As I said I'm quite active and a problem with the leads is always on my mind.

Thanks in advance -- this forum is great!

3 Comments

Pacing %

by TBrous&Chip - 2017-07-05 07:55:48

Lead impedence is one of the areas checked during interrogation.  If the leads are your concern I think lead impedence would tell you how effectively the leads are working.

I get a copy of the interrogation reports so I can compare results between reports.  Some items I do not understand but this causes me to read even more to try and get educated.  We are our best health advocate and need to be knowledgeable to advocate for our selves.

settings

by Tracey_E - 2017-07-05 17:43:14

Have you talked to the doctor? Not the tech, the doctor. Take what the tech tells you with a grain of salt, they don't have the full picture. If there was a problem with the device or leads, it would show up in the reports. Ideally you want to pace as little as possible but still feel good, so they will sometimes fine tune settings along the way to allow the heart to work on its own more. Or sometimes, especially with heart block, it's possible  for the problem to come and go. 

Low pacing

by Bostonbionic - 2017-07-07 17:09:56

If you feel fine and the pacing is low then it shows that your heart doesn't need much assistance. When your checked ask questions and get a print out of your reading to take to the doctor if you are still concerned.Usually your resting heart will be lower the fitter you are but not always. Mine went down 40 beats a minute when asleep and I am very active. My PM kicks in if the heart beat is delayed more than the setting. I have type 2 heart block and had my lower limit Taken off so I was told. My upper limit is 170 due to my exercise intensity and so far everything is fine. So in essence it doesn't matter what your percentage is so long as it's working as you want it too.

Liz uk

 

 

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I am just now 40 but have had these blackouts all my life. I am thrilled with the pacer and would do it all over again.