Getting the heart rate up after Bi-V implant

• by dmich428
• 2011-06-29 10:06:11
• Exercise & Sports
• 1468 views
• 0 comments

Hi Everyone!

I am 24 and had my first defibrilator implanted in 2009 due to a low ejection fraction. Though my condition remains stable, and I can go about my days without any issues, it was upgraded to a Bi-v pacer a few months ago with the hopes of improving function.

Other than adjusting to the device, and the way it paces my PVC's (which can sometimes feel worse than the PVC itself!), I have been fine. I feel that my normal daily level of activity is improved, but I have an issue on those rare occasions where I may exert myself a bit more than I should.

Just before the implant, I didn't have a major issue with moving heavy items up stairs or doing some pretty strenuous activity. Now, I find that after doing just a portion of what I did before, it feels like my heart is jumping out of my chest and I feel close to passing out. It has only happened a few times...but I am moving this weekend and apparently have additional limitations!

My electrophysiologist said that the device attempts to pace through PVC's to synrhonize as much as possible. But I am wondering if these extra "synchronization" beats are actually having an adverse effect on my ability to exercise. Or, perhaps my max heart rate - now set at 120 - is too low for that higher level of activity.

Has anyone had a similar experience with the Bi-V pacer? Any suggestions? Did anyone find that adjustments to the device improved this symptom?

Thanks a lot.