Question please re: Heart Monitor

I'm 3 weeks post-op for a Medtronic Dual Chamber Pacer. My question is regarding the safety in using a Polar heart rate monitor. I have the type that utilizes a chest strap for the sensors and the wrist-watch style read-out. Do you all think it is OK to use such a monitor or can it somehow interfere with the Pacemaker. I'm thinking it should be OK, and I really don't want to call the docs office with this question. I was told by the Doctor at my first check-up that I could walk on the treadmill to build up some stamina (no arm swinging of course) but I forgot to ask about the HR monitor. I must return to work next week and my job entails a good bit of walking, hence the reason I want to get some "practice" in. Your comments will be appreciated. Thanks, Carol.

2 Comments

Monitoring the Monitor

by elpannell - 2007-10-16 11:10:11

I have not submitted myself to go under the knife but I have a doctor waiting for me to give him the nod. On the day he broke the news and recommended a PM your question is the same one I asked. My Dr. (an EP) said there would be no problem. He said it will be a Meditronic unit that I will receive. With this said I will agree with your first responder above and encourage you to ask your doctor. It is a simple question that if you can contact his nurse she would be glad to answer and/or relay it on to your doctor.

HR monitors

by ridera - 2007-11-05 08:11:29

It's likely you won't get an answer, or a correct answer, from your doctor or his/her nurse. They are not electronic engineers and lean towards legal protection for anything they don't know about.

Call Medtronic and ask the pros.

You know you're wired when...

Your device makes you win at the slot machines.

Member Quotes

I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.