70 bpm . Defective or what??

Hi,

Ever since my pacemaker was put in, (Feb/08), my heart rate has stayed between 70 and72 bpm.

I've had it tweaked a few times, complained about not being able to walk, climb stairs or do what I want to do without SOB, extreme fatigue or just plain can't complete tasks.

Every time I take my pulse, it's 70, even after climbing stairs at a stadium!

I insisted that they "read it" today and sure enough, it reads 70 bpm ALL the time!

My Hubby thinks it's defective but the doc & tech said that it can't be, cause they've adjusted it a few times!!!

How can they know it's not defective??

Their adjustments don't seem to be helping at all.

Today, they made the rate response "more sensitive" but left my upper rate at 125.

The doc looked at me and stated, "no point in upping it, you don't even get close."
Of course I don't, cause it's STUCK on 70.

Please help me figure out if it's defective....why can't they improve my heart rate?

I'm really getting down in the dumps about this whole thing.

Thankyou.

Bionic Beat

3 Comments

Low Heart Rate

by SMITTY - 2008-07-26 01:07:45


Hi Bionic Beat,

I have a problem somewhat like to yours. My pacemaker is set for a range of 70 to 120. My heart rate stays in the 68 to 72 range mosdt of the time. II do drop into the 40s occasionally, but that is another story entirely, Anyway I complained about not being able to get my heart rate above about 80 and that was after 25 to 30 minutes on a treadmill. They activated the rate response on mine and it helped, but due to other problems I had to have it deactivated.

In your case it sounds like you may have to see another doctor to find out what is your problem because this one seems to be locked in on "it is not your pacemaker." Believe me many of us have heard that excuse too many times. I can list several things that I think cause doctors to do that, but it would do you not good. If you have run into a brick wall with this one, if at all possible try to see another. While if could be that your PM is faulty, that would be rare, but I'll never say anything in impossible with a PM.

One other thing, if you could get this doctor to do a stress test, assuming you can tolerate one, using a treadmill, maybe he could see exactly what you are talking about. With physical activity, your heart rate should definitely be going above 70.

Good luck,

Smitty

Low hear rate

by joy1 - 2008-07-26 02:07:42

Hi Bionic,

I have had a similar problem with not being able to get my BP up. I would get to into the low to mid 70's range and get stuck there. I had been instructed to try to get my rate up to 120 but just couldn't do it. Long story short, when I talked to the doctor about it, I was told that the medicines was taking could possibly be responsible for preventing my BP from going up. Duh, they are specifically meant to keep it down and it was working too good. Instead of adjusting my ICD, the doctor adjusted my meds. You didn't say if you were taking medication which could be effecting your BP. If you are might want to bring that up to the docs and discuss them. Befor you do though, make sure YOU do your homework and know what drugs could be effecting you either as what it's primary effect is or possibly one of the lesser side effects.

Hood Luck,
Joy

And another thing...

by Paula - 2008-07-30 05:07:31

That doesn't sound right. Demand attention from your doctor or find another one. I was told that "it couldn't be the pacemaker" when I kept having weird irregular heartbeats after my surgery. My pacemaker was new and was showing all the right numbers when checked. There are documented cases of pacemakers showing perfect programming, but not performing appropriately. I was so depressed that I broke down in tears when my cardiologist told me for the fourth time that there was nothing wrong with my pacemaker. I'm not advocating hysteria, but it got her attention. She doublechecked a few things, made some adjustments, and now I feel fine. I'm annoyed by all I had to go through, however, so am changing doctors. Maybe you should.

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