Heart rate following Biventricular pacemaker / ICD and AV node ablation.

I began my journey with the onset of severe AF on Christmas eve 2008. I was treated for an MI then had an angiogram confirming no blocked arteries.

The AF episodes continued, I was diagnosed with HOCM at London Heart Hospital in 2009, then had a septal myectomy and ablation in early 2010.

The AF continued so had a further ablation. With the AF still occuring, I had a biventricular pacemaker/ICD in late 2014 and then an AV node ablation.

Once all had settled down, i have had no AF episodes since.

My pacing rate is 60 and ICD trigger rate 165 bpm. As I am pacemaker dependant, I don't have a clear understanding of how my heart rate now varies. With increased activity I notice from my fitbit wrist device that im having considerable moments throughout the day with rates from 85 to 120, and I feel the changes of rhythm phisically.

I was led to understand that as my natural pacing node was burnt, the pacemaker would control my rate and exercise would not make any significant change,

Does anyone else have similar moments, or, can someone enlighten me ?

My next outpatient appointment is in March at St Barts Hospital in London, U.K.

2 Comments

Increased activity

by Gotrhythm - 2018-01-17 15:53:24

You answered your own question. Your heart rate varies with increased activity. That's because you pacemaker is able to sense the activity and adjust the rate accordingly. Different pacemakers do it different ways. It's called rate response. So yes, the pacemaker is controling your rate when at rest, and it's also controlling (increasing) your rate when you exercise. 

Don't know what "they" meant by the pacemaker would make no significant change. Wonder if you misunderstood?

BTW, if the pacemaker were not increasing your HR with exertion, you would feel pretty terrible, exhausted by nothing harder than walking accross the room.

 

Makes sense.

by nicknickson - 2018-01-18 04:57:45

Thank you for your comment.

I must have misunderstood. I had my introduction assessment at my local sports centre last night before commencing fitness suite and swimming sessions. Pretty much covered what you have said, so I look forward to starting my new fitness regime in a weeks time.

I have been very wary to push myself since having the pacemaker, I am looking forward now to more activity and will no doubt report the benefits later on the forum.

Thank you Gotrhythm for your prompt reply.

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