Post implantation heart rate

My wife (age 76) has just had a pacemaker fitted. Before the pacemaker and before the episode which preciptated it, her heart rate was normally in the region of 65 bpm. She is now concerned that it may not be functioning properly because her heart rate goes up to 70 - 80+ bpm although at total rest it's nearer 60. We cannot access professional help at the weeknd so wondered if anyone has expereince of this and if there is anything I can say to her to reassure her. We are both suffering from the current flu epidemic so that might have an influence.

Many thanks for any thoughts.


3 Comments

Absolutely nothing to worry about

by IAN MC - 2018-01-20 09:47:59

Your wife's resting heart rate of around 60 is probably determined by her pacemaker. It won't let her heart rate fall below a pre-set level . It is probably set at 60

It is perfectly normal for her HR to go up at times from the resting level. Walking upstairs or doing anything active will send it up  and, yes, having the flu may send it up .Even sneezing may send it up slightly ! 

So it increasing to 80 bpm is absolutely nothing to worry about . In fact I would worry if it didn't ever increase.

How your wife feels is the most importang thing, don't become too obsessed by heartrate readings.

Ian

the pacer is pacing

by Tracey_E - 2018-01-21 13:37:43

That's what they do, make the heart not get too low at rest and go up on exertion. As Ian said, I'd be more worried if it wasn't going up. 

Pseudephedrine (active ingredient in sudafed and other cold meds) can increase heart rate in some people. It's uncomfortable but not dangerous. I generallly avoid if but if I'm really miserable I take it anyway because nothing else works as well.  

Post implantation heart rate

by JSW200 - 2018-01-21 14:52:27

To Ian MC and TraceyE

Thanks for getting back to me. It's very helpful. In fact it's pretty much what I have told her myself but some 'outside' reassurance is great and just reinforces things.

You know you're wired when...

Intel inside is your motto.

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Pacemakers are very reliable devices.