heart rate

I received my PM 06-31-2008 due to my heart pausing for 6.1 seconds. I’m a runner and my resting heart rate was between 48 to 44 bpm. Since my PM was inserted my resting heart rate is 60-62 bpm. My Dr said he would adjust it at my 1st check up. I know it will be up to my Dr on how low the PM is adjusted but I would like to know how low do the runners out there have their PM set? Thanks Thomas

4 Comments

40 bpm

by winesap - 2008-07-02 03:07:22

I'm a bike rider not a runner, 58 year old male. My resting pulse is about 50 bpm. I've had the pacemaker for 7 months due to long pauses from constant atrial fib - specifically, I had one or more long pauses one night that caused short term memory loss for about 12 hours. In the first adjustment post surgery the EP set the minimum at 50 bpm. At my last adjustment - I was pacing about 30% of the time so we lowered the minimum to 40 bpm. I've had no problems with this minimum - I have a checkup later this month that will tell us my current pacing percentage.

Settings

by tripastor - 2008-07-02 04:07:51

Thomas,

I also run and participate in triathlons during the season. My PM has had to be adjusted throughout the 5 months that I have had it.
My personal settings, which may not work for you, are 50 bpm during the day and 40 bpm during my sleeping hours. Because of my diagnosis SSS I also have the rate response turned on due to sudden drops in beats.
If you have any more questions just ask.
Chris

BPMs

by richan - 2008-07-06 05:07:37

Hi Thomas,
I'm not a runner, but am a swimmer and have been involved in masters swimming since 1971. My pre-PM resting rate was 52. My post-PM rate is currently set at 55 which seems to be OK. At age 69, I'm pleased/happy to still involved in masters swimming.
Keep at it!

Richan

settings and exercise

by gevans - 2008-07-06 07:07:09

I'm currently running over 50 miles per week (training for a marathon in October) and have mine set at 60 bpm with rate response "off". I've had it adjusted downward each check-up...and would love to eventually get it back down in the mid 40's (but am not holding my breath for that day to ever arrive). Still, it's gratifying that my EP is willing to give me quite a bit of latitude in regards to overcoming my heart issues. There are also quite a few of us on cardiacathletes.org that are "pushing the limits" to prove that exercise is beneficial to one's health as well as lifestyle.

Gary

You know you're wired when...

Your pacemaker interferes with your electronic scale.

Member Quotes

I'm 44, active and have had my device for two years. I love it as I can run again and enjoy working out without feeling like I'm an old man.