Rate Drop Response

Hi Everyone;

I'm three'ish' months post op now and there is improvement in day to day life but I'm still having what i call mini pass outs. I was warned that if it was a 'true' vasovagal syncope issue that the pacemaker may not rectify everything so I get that. There is a feature on the pacemaker that is called a 'rate drop response' feature and was wondering if any of you had experience in that area and if so, did it help you. I'm headed to the big city for a check up and want to ask if that particular feature IS turned on or not and it needs some adjusting if so.

I have the same symptoms, weakness, dizzy and lay down as that was the routine pre-surgery but I do not actually lose consciousness so that's the improvement I mention. Hoping we can improve on things a bit but NOT complaining as it is much better.

Thanks for any comments in advance. :)


3 Comments

Rate drop

by nas49840 - 2018-10-25 23:31:21

I have the rate drop feature on my PM. I notice it every so often as it puts me up to around 120 bpm. Ironically the most time it happens is when I’m in the waiting room for my eletrophysiologist. 

 

Nate

I use it

by Tracey_E - 2018-10-29 11:57:29

My drops are when working out, however, not vasovagal response. I don't notice when it kicks in, but I sure noticed when it wasn't on! Sudden plummets when exercising are hard to miss lol. 

Did you have a tilt test? That can tell them if it's vasovagal syncope. It can be a combination of heart rate drop/pause and blood pressure drops. The pacer can only fix the heart half. Diet and medication can  help with blood pressure. 

tuned up but now have the flutters

by Rookie - 2018-11-03 18:11:25

Went in and explained about the 'mini' passing out vasovagal things still occurring and they have turned on the 'rate drop response' feature so we shall see where that takes me. The occasional tapping I was feeling on my side is thought to be the time when the PM is testing itself because apparently this little machine is constantly improving itself and its function - that doesn't freak me out at ALL........they turned that part off as I am using the PM only .4% of the time on one lead and .1% on the other. That's all good news in my book so came home and no more early morning thumping but now I feel like it's fluttering around my heart an awful lot.....hoping it's just going to teach itself to knock it off........otherwise another adjustment I guess. I had to smile at one of the other posts discussing this 'fluttering' where they said they couldn't decide if it was real or imagined because I find myself asking that question a LOT about this stuff. I'm such a chickens**t with anything medical and it's embarrassing because I've read a lot of others stories on this site and omg what you have gone through to survive. YIKES..........you're a tough bunch but I'm so glad to have you to talk to.........have a great weekend! Sue

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