migraines with pacemaker rate increase

Hi,
Merry Christmas everyone!!!!! Hope all is well and everyone is having a great and relaxing day.

I was just wondering if anyone got migraines when they had the rate on their pacemakers increased?  My rate was increased from 80 to 90. I feel that 90 is pretty fast for a regular daytime heart rate, so I’m seeing a new EP/Card. doctor this week, but I always like to hear what everyone on here has experienced, since we are living it.

3 Comments

Heart Rates

by SMITTY - 2010-12-26 07:12:32

Hello Karri,

Over the 11 years I have had a pacemaker I've had low PM settings of 30, 40, 45, 60, 70 & 80. The only one of these I have noticed or felt is the 80, which I have now. There are times it sounds like a tribe of Indians tuning up to go on the war path, especially when I first go to bed. But it has never kept me awake for more than a few minutes and I have never had a headache.

While 90 sounds high at first glance, if you look up normal heart rate you will see they give the range as 60 to 100. So the puts your 90 within the normal range, but if that is the best rate for you is a question for that new doctor.

Good luck with the new Dr.

Smitty

Migraines & Pacemakers

by Pookie - 2010-12-27 07:12:07

I had a "migraine" for 13 yrs (24/7) and was constantly at the ER regarding that and my pacemaker because my head pain seemed to have gotten worse AFTER having the pacer (I had a lot of issues with my pacer at the beginning; hence so many visits to the ER)...anyways, I remember one ER doctor in particular who took the time to research some information for me -he came back with Pacemaker Syndrome - highly unlikely BUT it is something you might want to consider discussing with whomever takes care of you & your pacemaker.

Oh...and my "migraines" weren't migraines but rather a very rare disease called Eagles Syndrome, but that's another story for another day:)

90 as a low setting seems pretty high, please ask why they set it at that number. I'm glad you're being seen by a new set of eyes:)

Take care and keep us posted?

Pookie

Sounds high to me

by ElectricFrank - 2010-12-27 12:12:08

While heart rate can vary over a wide range, a resting HR of 80-90 seem a bit high.

You weren't clear about what setting you are talking about. There is the lower limit which is the lowest rate the pacer will let your heart drop to. A setting of 90 here would leave you with a rapid HR at night and for many difficulty sleeping. There is and upper limit which sets the highest rate at which the pacemaker can pace your hear. A setting of 90 here would be a bit low for someone your age and really limit your activity level. Then there is the option called Rate Response that is used when your own natural pacer can't determine an optimum HR. When this is turned ON there are a number of settings that determine its action and your 90 number might be part of that

You might ask the EP what he/she is doing with your settings and also get a copy of the report.

good luck,

frank

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