Gym Cardio Machines

Hi Everyone,

There’s been a bit of discussion on this forum about the heart rate monitors on the cardio machines (treadmill etc) for those of us that visit the gym. One problem we mention is that they sometimes fluctuate (80 jumps to 140 drops to 90 etc etc) and I always assumed that it was simply the gym machine getting confused by the pacemaker, but I ran the idea past my EP a few weeks ago and he sent me to the PM technicians to investigate.

Just got back, and it turns out (in my case) it is NOT the gym machines...it’s me! (or rather the settings on my PM!!) Quick bit of history – I’m 37, had PM implanted Nov 07, I’ve got congenital complete AV block (Electric Frank – notice I said AV and not Heartblock – I’m learning) but I do have my own natural underlying heart- rate (a slow one 35-40bpm) and it also responds to exercise. I knew I had the lower setting at 60bpm but didn’t realise I had it had a higher setting limit on.

As I understand it, during a workout, everytime my heart-rate was reaching over 140bpm, the PM would intervene and try to push it back down!! This resulted in the gym machine heart-rate sensor flashing up random numbers and me feeling a slightly ‘throaty’ heart beat sensation! I had a few ‘tweaks’ made today and hopefully should notice a difference at my next gym session so I’ll keep you posted.

Thought I’d share my experience in case anyone else out there in ‘pacemaker-land’ has been having similar concerns – it probably IS worth mentioning it to your doctor.

Finally, thanks to everyone who has recommended asking for a printout. I wasn’t sure if they gave them out here in the UK, but I asked today and was given one – no problem. So any fellow Brits out there, it’s worth getting one – makes interesting reading!! :-)

Shelly (UK)

6 Comments

reprogramming

by Angie_O_Plasty - 2008-05-28 01:05:30

Well, as a nurse my advice would be to simply ask your doctor about having the upper rate set higher (assuming there's not a contraindication to doing so) if it's not allowing you to do as much as you'd like. In the case of AV block where the SA node is fine, if I understand correctly, the PM is keeping track of the signals in the atria from the SA node and then passing them down to the ventricles, doing the job of the AV node. If that maximum rate is set too low, then it would "ignore" some of the atrial signals rather than letting them through and I would guess that's where the problem is coming from. Does that sound right (or did I just confuse the issue)? As far as the rate actually dropping once it hits the max maybe someone else would be able to shed some light on that one :-)

To Angie

by joy1 - 2008-05-28 02:05:40

From what I've heard you described the pacing effect and responses really well.
I have an ICD. I never had need of the pacer because my problem was vtach. My EP told me specifically not to go above 120. At the time I didn't know she had set my top at 140. After I had my second arrhythmic event which came in below what the defib was set for she lowered the upper setting thus setting me up for the miss reading and subsequent electrical storm I experienced. That was the only time the pacer ever worked because the defib shocks so fouled up my heart rate that I went unconscious.

Joy

Some miscommunication here?

by axg9504 - 2008-05-28 04:05:05

Gym treadmills are not accurate. They can vary by mfrer. Apart from that though, I'm not sure, as some respondents are reporting, that in the presence of a PM, you can have the rate go down when the demand is high. Maybe the rate response feature is turned off? If it is why would it be if these people are having problems with exercise. Mine is set at an upper of 140 and walking/jogging at about 5 mph will bring my heart to this vicinity and it stays there till I slow down. I have rate response turned on. I don't think a PM can reduce one's natural heart rate. ??

To Joy & Shelly,

by bunnykin - 2008-05-28 12:05:03

hi while I'm still online,...I'm using one of those Polar monitors also; With this watch and chest strap. It's quite accurate really. It tallies with both my monitor and the gym equipment as all the machines are Polar compatible.
There is this feature that we can even code it with the machine we're using so it won't be picking up signals from nearby equipment.
The rates still go weird, up and down and never allowing my own rate to go up. I've this strange feeling Shelly and Joy, that it's our ICD/PM that needs tweaking, reprogramming or setting to suit our lifestyles. Any detailed information from you all would be appreciated. Many thanks.
bunnykin

Keeping track of heart rate

by joy1 - 2008-05-28 12:05:21

I don't know about the UK and what's available in Europe as far as exercise equipment; it will be something you will need to look into but I found out here in the states, when I began going back to the gym to work out, that the gym equipment I was on could interface with a personal heart rate monitor which I could wear. It sure gave me piece of mind after having several episodes of relying on the equipment and having problems. One of the main manufacturers here is a company called POLAR. They also produce personal monitors which can interface with their gym equipment. The personal monitor has two parts;one which goes around the chest and a watch like piece and it reads your heart rate and bp. It can be set so that if you exceed upper and lower limits which your doctor sets for you it sounds an alarm. This personal device is more accurate than the gym equipment and can also be used away from the equipment so when out jogging or exerting in other ways.

Joy

Same Boat.

by bunnykin - 2008-05-28 12:05:59

Shelly hi,
Just want to say that I've the same problem but never got an answer from EP or technician regarding the weird heart rates during activity; Perhaps mine is slightly different but not deviating from yours too far. I can definitely relate to your description of heart rate jumping from a low of 90-140-then suddenly lower to unbelievable number, then wouldn't climb anymore no matter what I'm doing; (climbing, running upstairs, or simply cross-trainer). It's very irritating when I'm an energetic person and I seem to be winded easily. (however I'm almost 100% PM dependent,I've an ICD for 4yrs).
Pls share with us more if you get better reasons or answers from dr or technician cos I'd like to know too. I'd like to do more without being winded or tired...Thanks for your post. All the best.
bunnykin

You know you're wired when...

You have a little piece of high-tech in your chest.

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