pacemakers & computer ??????

This is the first time to post : I have had my pacemaker for about 8 months now. (nov. 08) I recieved my PM a week after I
had OHS having my AVR. I had total heart block and I am 100% paced. My heart rate is set for 80/140.
My question is: has anyone had any issue with being on the computer and having platations & fluttering & some shortness of breath start ?
I had noticed for awhile that I can't seem to stay on the computer as long as I use too...and then I notice within about 5 to 10 minutes it seems like the platations, fluttering & shortness of breath begin. And I have to get off the computer.
Thanks for any input to what's going on .

c terra
BAVR (nov 08)
Metronic PM (nov 08) Total Heart Block ..100% pace
Mitral Valve & Tricos. Valve ...Moderate reg.
Mild heart attack....Feb. 09

6 Comments

Maybe it's the motion, not the electronics

by valbob89 - 2009-08-13 10:08:32

Dear C:

I use my computer all the time, sometimes for hours. I too have heart block, as well as sick sinus syndrome, and am v-paced about 90%. What I noticed was palps when I moved suddenly, rapidly, or even while driving on a bumpy road. For me, the problem was having the motion sensor set too high in sensitivity and response rate. It could be that your keyboard and mousing styles involve a lot of shoulder/chest motion that the pacer recognizes as more-circulation-demanding exercise.

It took a lot of trial and error for the St. Jude rep to find a setting that both allowed motion response in the gym and limited flutters when I simply got up to walk to the bathroom. He was great, and I really appreciate how hard my rep worked.

Could it be that after a few minutes at the computer you're moving around more to load a printer or grab printouts, or start moving in your chair to get more comfotable?

Pacemakers are brilliantly designed to resist electrical and electromagnetic interference. I'd suspect motion before interference. But by all means call your doctor or pacemaker rep and ask. Don't quit asking until you're sure you're comfortable with their answers. Maybe a few adjustments in the sensor are all you need, too.

Best wishes,

Bob

Computers

by IanMcC - 2009-08-13 11:08:43

Hi C, I have a St Jude pacemaker and have had it now for almost 3 years. I find that if I am leaning foreward over my work bench or over a chart table I get shortness of breath and palpitations,Its wierd I know and I can't explain why this happens but it does.
I find I have to straighten up every few minutes or try and not lean so far foreward.
I was wondering if you lean foreward over the computer rather than sitting up straight.
All the best, Ian.

Leaning forward.

by ElectricFrank - 2009-08-14 01:08:53

I find that leaning forward can be a problem also. It puts pressure on the diaphram, stomach, and vegas nerve any of which can trigger PVC's.

As Bob mentioned there is no problem with the computer itself causing interference.

frank

WiFi?

by TKS - 2009-08-14 02:08:21

Are you using a computer on WiFi? I am a computer tech for a company and I notice if I expose myself to WiFi too long I feel some dizziness, lightheaded, short of breath, etc. I also noticed it when I got my Laptop and tried to use it on a WiFi network. I bothers mostly when I am leaning over or close to the computer. I just try to avoid WiFi when possible and I also use my computer on a hard wired network.

Tonight should be fun...I am going to my daughter's house to set up a WiFi network in her house...of the things we will do for our kids!!!!

Iowa Theresa

computers & pacemakers

by c terra - 2009-08-14 09:08:48

Thanks so much for your comments....I do know that a few months ago the rep did ajust the settings because I was having a lot of difficulty with shortness of breath and feeling lightheaded while doing my cardic rehab. and not being able to do as much or as long as when I first started card. rehab. after my AVR.
I will take notice on how I sit and move around. Those are great sugguestions.
Thanks again for all the help ...this is all so new to me.

computers

by geejbee - 2009-08-14 11:08:20


I have had my pacemaker for 4 months now. I experience shortness of breath at work and actually ended up in the Emergency Room two weeks ago because of it. I agree with the above comments. I think it is because of how much I am required to move while at work even though I'm in front of a computer for 90% of my day. I am relieved in some ways that others have experienced this. Thank you for sharing! I am trying to be more cautious of how I sit and how far I reach but it's easy to forget until the dizziness and shortness of breath starts. Good luck - let us know if you learn something different.

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