First pace-maker check-up and optimising settings advice.
Posted , 4 users are following.
Had dual lead St Jude PM fitted 12 weeks ago for Heart Block, after fainting during exercise. 40yo, otherwise very fit and active (competing athlete).
Initially set to DDD, but for some reason, in the first week it kept pacing me at exactly 120bpm for long periods (did it for 8 hours one day) which was distressing and uncomfortable. It was difficult to get this message across to my doc (they tried to convince me it was AF), but eventually they set it to VVI (or VVI(r)) mode and sent me on my way after I showed them data from my HR monitor.
Since then, I've not had the 120bpm problem, but feel that the PM could be optimised to my circumstances - e.g. dual lead unit, very active, young(ish), technically minded. I still get a very irregular beat. I also now get out of breath a lot easier.
First Q - why might DDD result in constant pacing of 120bpm (could it be a safety setting).
Second Q - how can I tell if I'm being paced (during exercise for example) - is this data only available on download?
Third Q - what kind of settings will help me with getting back to some moderate training?
0 likes, 2 replies
derek76 minusnothing
Posted
When I've had problems I phone the pacemaker clinic and am seen within a couple of days.
steven50347 minusnothing
Posted
Howdy. I can't tell you why and what relating to the device but I can tell you that it took my EP around 1.5 years to tune my ICD device to my lifestyle (exercise, heart post cardiac arrest, meds such as Entresto improving the ejection fraction etc...).
I got the impression that it's par for the course.