Pacing question

Hi  All, just had a quick question. I had a dual chamber Medtronic inserted 12/15. Since then have had numerous issues with SVT,s and atrial flutter. Was initially pacing up to 60% on all interrogation reports. Last two reports have me at 100%. I have been placed on metroporol 50 mg twice a day and digoxin .125 mg. But am still having episodes of svt. Was wondering if this will ultimately shorten the battery life? The cardiologist is also scheduling me to be seen every 3 mths also for follow up. Thank you for your  help.


2 Comments

battery life

by islandgirl - 2018-03-21 18:09:13

I am also paced at 100%, like many here.  My guess--beta blocker is probably keeping your heart rate down below the setting on the pm, so the pm is working more often.  Mine is set between 70 and 130.  I wanted the EP to set my pm at 60 so it would save the battery.  He said it makes little difference on battery life, and he refused to reduce it due to my heart issues.  I also see my EP often--right now about every 6-8 weeks.  

Over time, I've learned not to worry about battery life, what's important is that the EP is adjusting optimally to keep me feeling the best I can feel and what's best for my heart.  Look at the battery life on the reports. 

battery life

by Tracey_E - 2018-03-23 15:32:14

Many things affect battery life, how much we pace is pretty far down on the list. Condition of the leads, how much juice it takes to get the heart to respond, safety margins, the extra features we use all have a larger impact on battery life. The important thing is you feel good. If you do, then you are pacing the right amount. Battery changes are super easy, I'm on my 5th. After the last, I got lunch on the way home, took a nap, then worked a couple of hours. A week after #3, I went on a hiking vacation. MOst of the pain the first time is creating the pocket, most of the restrictions are from the new leads. With replacements, they go in through the scar tissue and leads are usually good through several batteries. 

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

Member Quotes

I have a well tuned pacer. I hardly know I have it. I am 76 year old, hike and camp alone in the desert. I have more energy than I have had in a long time. The only problem is my wife wants to have a knob installed so she can turn the pacer down.