First time

I have had persistent afib, not intermittent after an ablation.

I had occasional bradychardia (mid-40's, normally mid-50's). But recently it lasted 8 days; I am very tired as a result, and usually need an afternoon nap (which I never do otherwise!)

I am active, eat well, have no other health problems; my pulse does rise to over 100 when exercising.

My EP wants to put in a pacemaker this Friday.

I'm not worried about the actual procedure; I came out of my ablation without any problems.  

I have so many questions (he's been very communicative), but am sure there are questions I don't even know to ask.

- I thought it would routinely be set for wake/sleep modes, but he said that's unusual. One of my fears is a faster resting heart rate that will keep me from falling asleep. 
- He explained that it can kick in even during exercise; that it senses if the heart is working too hard. How good is this feature? How does the p/m know if you're heart is working too hard?(obviously has to be more than the rate)
- Are there security concerns with programmable devices?

What other questions should I be considering?

I appreciate any wisdom you have; thank you very much.

 

Matthew

3 Comments

Good Questions

by Good Dog - 2017-08-21 18:52:31

As far as your PM setting keeping you awake.........I had that problem initially when mine had a minimum rate setting of 60 bpm. I told my doc and he suggested changing it to 50 bpm. I immediately began sleeping good again. So my point is that you can easily have the minimum rate adjusted.

As far as the activity sensor, it depends upon the manufacturer. I don't know much about that feature, because I've never had mine turned on. In any case, some of the comments here have given me the impression that the activity monitor of certain PM manufacturers functions better than others. Hopefully someone that knows more will chime in. That feature is designed to increase your HR based upon signals it gets from your body. Manufacturers use different things such as vibration (motion), breathing, etc.

The PM is designed to maintain a minimum heart rate and also keep both chambers of your heart beating in sync. That is, if it is a dual lead PM. 

The PM doesn't slow your heart rate (when it is working too hard). It isn't designed to do that. If your HR picks-up on its own when you exercise, then you won't need the activity sensor turned-on. That is the case with me. I have had my dual chamber Medtronic for 30 years. I am on my fourth generator now. 

There is no sleep mode. It is monitoring your heart and maintaining it 24/7. I have to tell you that getting a PM is a very gradifying experience. It is a relatively safe procedure and you should feel much better once the settings are optimized. That may take a few weeks or a few months. Depends upon how good your doc is. Make sure that you are seeing an electrophysiologist/cardiologist. They are the specialists when it comes to rhythm disorders like we have.

I wish you the very best. Stop back here and let us know how you're feeling after you get your shiny new pacemaker.

Sincerely,

David

A little more

by MJS - 2017-08-22 10:18:44

David, thank you for your helpful comments.

Of course, having decided on the PM after a week of bradycardia, I've had 2 episodes of AFIB in the last couple of days (pill in the pocket ends it after a couple of hours).

But these episodes make me wonder if I'm on the right trail...


Matthew

First time

by TAC - 2017-08-22 18:44:08

You seem to be right recipient for a pacemaker. Don't worry, they are state of the art. The EP's are well experienced in programming the PM for optimal functions according to your needs. It may take a little time to get it the way it works best for you. Be patient.

You know you're wired when...

Your old device becomes a paper weight for your desk.

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