Flutter

Hi~
I have had my medtronic pacer 2 months now and I am experiencing something rather strange. When I get into a running automobile my rate seems to flutter and race?!?!?!?!? Anyone else have an experience similar??? It seems more prominent when I drive my Smart Car. Also still SO tired/fatigued/depressed.
Thanks
Sanctus

6 Comments

A stray electrical field

by sanctus - 2010-04-26 03:04:26

Thanks for the comments. It happens when I drive my van, when I am a passenger, but is most prominent when I drive my Smart car where I am in close proximity to the engine. And sometimes I experience with physical activity. At least I won't feel like a whack job when I present it to my cardio!

simple solution

by sanctus - 2010-04-26 03:04:47

I tried that with the same results~thank you for your input.

car and pacemaker

by musser75 - 2010-04-26 03:04:48

It is probabaly from the rate response function of your pacemaker. It is designed to enhance your heart rise when you exerxise or run etc. It has a small accelometer in it. It senses the vibrations and your heart rate goes up. Rate response funtion should be switched off or fine tuned.
Musser75, MD

car and pacemaker

by sanctus - 2010-04-26 03:04:59

Well, that sounds reasonable. I see the cardio in 2 weeks and will present that to him. Thanks so much

A stray electrical field?

by BillMFl - 2010-04-26 09:04:56

Not likely but possible. Does this happen in any car you attempt to drive? I once had severe atrial flutter in my ex Cardiologists office (thats why he's my ex). They hooked my up to an impedence test machine that runs a very small voltage thru the chest. Any small voltage will confuse your pacemaker. They told me I needed an ablation. I went home, looked up the device and saw an FDA warning not to use it on pm patients! I'm doubting the rate response because that should show up with any physical activity if its set wrong for you, not just driving a car. Your car may be emitting an electrical field.

flutter

by John G. - 2010-04-27 09:04:36

I had the same problem, I have a biotronik. I visited my doc friday, explained to him I was Feeling a little fatigued. He turned on the rate response option, needless to say when I statred driving my heart was racing and fluttering.Also, everytime I even walked fast it started. It was very uncomfortable. I had to return to doc Monday and have rate response disabled.Call your Doc.

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