Pacing vs. sensing

Is sensing when the lead is just "observing" for arrhythmias?
Is pacing when the leads actually starts firing because while it was "sensing" it picked up an abnormal rhythm?

Does the pacemaker rep have all the answers to rate configurations, or should I try to call the company directly?

I want to know exactly WHAT rhythms and rates are recorded specifically by my pacemaker.
My high rate is 150, so will it record anything less than that?
Anything over a hundred is tachycardia. How does the pacemaker know which kind to record?

I am SO confused. It's really frustrating. I hate this thing.

5 Comments

sending hugs

by Tracey_E - 2009-01-06 03:01:01

No hating it! You'll make me nag :o) Seriously, if you wanna chat shoot me a message.

Pm's sense all the time, that's when they're just keeping an eye on things

Pacing is when they're sending out impulses to make your heart beat.

I'd try the rep for answers. The company can tell you its capabilities, but the rep can tell you exactly where yours is set and what it's doing.

If your high rate is 150, it'll record an episode every time you go over that, they can tell how long it lasted, how high you got and what time it happened. It'll also keep track of how often it's pacing. I don't think it keeps track of all episodes of tachcardia or arrhythmias, only when you go over your limit.

Thanks

by Angelie - 2009-01-06 03:01:53

I'll try to remember to ask the next time I go get it checked. I think that's sometime in March. I'm trying to wait that long at least. I try not to fixate on the rates, and flutters. I just figure if it's bad, the pacer will catch it. It would just be nice to know exactly what it's recording. It makes me angry that this isn't the "fix" that my doctors and I had hoped for. Most days I'm fine with it, but today's just one of those days.

Thanks a lot,
Angelie

not the fix you were hoping for

by maryanne - 2009-01-06 04:01:31

I hear you about things not working out the way you had hoped.

In December in went in for a lead extraction and PM replacement....I ended up with open heart surgery....I was prepared for a recovery period of maybe 4-6 weeks....not 3-6 months.

Anyhow.....looks like TraceyE did a bang up job on answering your questions....I think the only thing I would add would be....keep your own log. When you are feeling symptoms etc. so when you go in for your check up you can reference these dates and times that you felt symptomatic and they can look at the history and see if there is any correlation.

Best of luck.....

oops

by Angelie - 2009-01-07 12:01:35

Try NOT to disappoint...... (darn them typos)
LOL
Angelie

Thanks so much Sue

by Angelie - 2009-01-07 12:01:53

What a sweetheart you are. I just do my little thing, in my own little world. I've never considered myself inspiring.
You almost made me cry.......( in a good way)

My EP doc told me that I seemed like the kind of person that isn't easily discouraged. I don't know how many times I have heard him repeating that in my head, and it makes me feel better. It makes me feel better mainly because I wouldn't want to make a liar out of him, and it straightens me up and makes me change my tune. (Phil 4:13)
I'm now adding you to my list of encouragers, and will try to disappoint.

Thanks again Magster and friends,
Angelie

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