Can someone explain rate response

I've seen it in a number of posts where people said they have felt better after the rate response feature of their pm has been turned off. What is rate response for and who should or shouldn't have this feature turned on?

Trying to get as much info as possible before my next EP appointment on the 29th of this month, otherwise, I will be waiting another 6 months.

Thanks for any info you can provide. Thanks.

4 Comments

Thanks Tracey!

by SaraTB - 2010-04-14 07:04:46

I've been reading about RR too, and as I have 3rd degree heart block, I took your post with me today for my PM check-up.
Discussed pros and cons with my genius practice nurse - who fully supports me researching on the web (I'm very lucky with my PM team).
I have a Boston Scientific Altrua with minute ventilation. She explained that minute ventilation needs RR, but that she could turn it off for the accelerometer part - so she did. So far, I haven't noticed any difference at all, but I haven't exerted myself yet either.
I'll report back in a few days - many thanks to all who have been discussing RR!

RR

by Tracey_E - 2010-04-14 09:04:31

Rate response is helpful for people who have sinus issues, who's atrial rate does not go up normally with exercise. When RR is on, it senses movement and raises your hr for you. If you mostly pace atrial, if you have a condition such as SSS, you probably need it on.

If you have a heart block and mostly pace ventricle, RR at best will do nothing, at worst will interfere with your natural sinus rhythm. With av block, your atrial rate is perfectly normal but the signal never gets through to the ventricles to beat. The pm completes the circuit by sensing when the atria beats and telling the ventricles to beat also. If RR is on, it can compete with the natural pacing.

Hope that helps!

Me too!

by The Fish - 2010-04-14 09:04:41

I would like to know what that means too please?
Thanks from Howard

rate response

by golden_snitch - 2010-04-14 12:04:41

Hey,
Tracey explained it very well. If you have a heart block only but your sinus node is functioning well, you will not need the rate response. In that case the ventricular pacer lead simply follows the rate the sinus node dictates.
I need my rate response turned on because my sinus node has been ablated, and therefore I'm paced almost 100% in the atriums. The rate response makes sure my heart rate goes up for example when exercising. My pacer works with a movement sensor and a minute-ventilation sensor to give me an appropriate rate.
Best wishes
Inga

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