Pacemaker setting

 I had my pacemaker installed in February. I am 77 years of age. I have  sick sinus syndrome and atrial fibrillation.  I am on flecainide for the AF.  This afternoon I went to the pacing clinic here in the U.K. for my second check up by the technician.  I explained that when walking fast or climbing stairs I noticed I had a tightness in my chest that I had not experienced prior to my pacemaker being installed. They said that my pacemaker was not currently set to respond to exercise and they would change it to that setting. I didn't ask what it had been set to and wondered if anyone can enlighten me please. After changing it and sending me for a brisk walk and stair climb to test it they were very pleased with the result  which showed a much better response by the heart to exercise. I am hoping that my lack of energy and stamina will now improve. Anyone with similar experience please? Thanks as ever.

2 Comments

rate response

by Tracey_E - 2017-07-14 20:06:24

You just learned about rate response! It senses that you are moving and raises your rate for you. It has various sensitivity settings so if you find it goes up too quickly so that you get short of breath or not quickly enough so that you feel fatigued again, ask to be seen again so they can fine tune it. 

normal

by dwelch - 2017-07-18 12:03:32

It is normal to need to tune the device to you.  It may take anywhere from zero to several trips to the doc to get this thing dialed in.  They may have you wear a 24 hour holter each time they make and adjustment, just go with the flow.  It takes time for you to get used to it both mentally and physically which includes tuning the device.  Dont wait, if it feels strange or worse than it was before the last adjustment, give them a call...

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