Flutters when pacemaker cuts in

I had a pacemaker implanted a month ago and am getting light flutters in my chest and occasionally in my stomach when it cuts in.  I've been told the pacemaker sets the voltage automatically at 125% of the threshold voltage for safety so it can't prudently get reduced. It isn't as strong as PVCs but can be annoying when reading and doing other quiet activities. Is this something that one eventually gets adjusted too or are my expectations too high? I cut back on my Beta blocker so it cuts in less often to raise my pulse rate.  In general I'm delighted to have energy and not be afraid of passing out. 

2 Comments

Good attitude!

by Lavender - 2022-10-20 10:02:03

I like your last sentence! You're grateful along with your still present glitches. I'm not sure what flutters you mean. There are heart flutters, pvcs, palpitations etc.  I read that It's normal if  moments of excitement make your heart flutter briefly. These flutters are called heart palpitations — when your heart beats faster than normal or it skips a few beats. You might also feel overly aware of your own heartbeat. Most of the time, heart palpitations are harmless and go away on their own.

I get PVCs. No one is concerned because it's not every day and not long lasting. I acknowledge it and continue on. I'm also really body aware of any sensations. 
 

I don't do caffeine or cigarettes but those two things can increase heart flutters and so can exercise. Be sure to drink more water than you used to and it'll help as well!
 

Gosh you're only a month into the pacemaker experience!  Things will improve along your journey! Give it time. Tell the pacemaker tech and dr this stuff at your next pacemaker interrogation. Bet the settings can be adjusted!  Your heart is still calming down from being poked and prodded. Keep up the positive attitude!  Good job so far!!👏🏼

Thank you for your reply

by Springrich - 2022-10-21 21:28:28

Thank you for your reply. I get PVCs which I would call palpitations too. If I'm doing something quiet,  I can feel a slight flutter when the pacemaker starts pacing according to a EP Fellow at the hospital. For awhile my stomach was actually twitching but I got the ventrical tuned down a bit but occasionally I can also sense that too. It seems to be lessening as I get used to it. I reduced the Beta blockers so the pacemaker cuts in less but have more PVCs as a result. It isn't perfect and maybe never will be. Hopefully I will get used to the pacemaker and can increase my Beta blocker to get reduce the very annoying PVCs. As I said I felt like heck before the pacemaker an am happy to have it.

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A pacemaker completely solved my problem. In fact, it was implanted just 7 weeks ago and I ran a race today, placed first in my age group.