Rate Response turned off........

Hello Pace People, I will be turning off my r/r on Mon. During a recent exercise test my h/r exceeded 135 in a 2 minute tread mill run with the r/r off. Doc wanted to keep it on anyway with some of his new settings. Long story short, the settings have caused a great deal more pvc.pac, than before and I am tired of going back.(3x in 2 weeks) I had the r/r off for 6 weeks last year but returned to r/r as my h/b would not increase with exercise. What no one would tell me is b/blockers will not allow your natural sinus node to bring your h/r up to the appropriate levels.............
My questions............ are there any settings, features,etc. that need to be addressed with this change, and will the post mode switch be in play? What @ pacing delays and their settings?
Are there any A-Fibbers who have their r/r off and if so what meds do you take. I have heard @ Sotalol as a new and better B/B if their is such a thing. Hoping I don't need it!!!!!!!
Thanks and remember....." Today is gift, enjoy the present"

-Philman

7 Comments

rr

by Tracey_E - 2009-03-13 09:03:18

Beta blockers bring your heart rate down, doesn't matter which one you're one that's how they all work. Rate response brings it up when it senses that you are active so the drug is stopping the afib and the pacer is trying to duplicate what your body would do normally. RR isn't as accurate as your natural sinus rhythm, but if your sinus rhythm isn't normal on its own it doesn't sound like you have much choice than to have it on if you want to be active.

They can adjust the sensitivity on the rate response. It may take some tinkering to get it so you feel good. Good luck!

TRACEY

by Philman - 2009-03-13 10:03:17

What I am saying is it appears that I am able to raise my hr without the rr on. Last fall I had it off for six weeks without much of a problem. Because I was taking 50 mg of bb my hr would not go up with exercise. I should have weaned of of the bb at that time, but was advised not to. Since that time I have had numerous accounts of a-fib with bb as the drug og my choice. My a-fib appears to be exercise induced and can show up once a month or once a week. I honestly think my settings and bb contribute to my arrithmia .
Thanks for your thinking......Philman

Franks comments

by ElectricFrank - 2009-03-14 01:03:34

I agree with your approach. You sound like you are willing to try some things and don't mind the risk (what little there is) so go for it. I sounds like your best bet is to turn off the RR and see what it does to your exercise HR. Then if it looks like a good idea start slowly weaning off the bb. You may find a level that still helps the afib and lets you increase your HR with activity. Just make the changes slowly so you have an idea of the effects.

As far as RR off settings, the most important ones:

Mode: DDD this assures that RR is off.Don't be concerned about the RR settings as they don't have any effect.

Upper Ventricular Tracking Limit: Whatever you think is appropriate for you. I like to have mine set high to keep it out of my way. I take responsibility for keeping my HR reasonable. At 79 my upper rate of 150 is way too high, but I keep it in the 130-140 range. Keep in mind though that I don't have afib.

Lower Ventricular Tracking Limit: Probably 50-55 range.

hope this helps,

frank

Frank

by Philman - 2009-03-14 11:03:05

Many thanks for your observations. I would like to send you the "curious settings" that doc put in after the exercise test. The settings were tweaked while exercising and then he changed them much to the dismay of the medtronic field rep.after the test was over. He also talked of putting in a new PM if needed. My PM b/date is 16/17/18
-Philman

Settings

by ElectricFrank - 2009-03-14 11:03:37

If you can scan the report drop me a Private Message and I'll give you an email to send it to. Otherwise, just send me the important ones.

frank

correction

by Philman - 2009-03-14 11:03:43

PM b/date is 06/17/08........... medtronic. Adapta duel lead

Frank

by Philman - 2009-03-15 12:03:08

Roger that, will give it a try in the am.. Thanks again,
-Philman

You know you're wired when...

You trust technology more than your heart.

Member Quotes

I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for pacemakers. I've had mine for 35+ years. I was fainting all of the time and had flat-lined also. I feel very blessed to live in this time of technology.