Pacemaker Reliability

[mullikg]

I had a pacemaker implant last December and have been and am feeling great. The problem I have is that my pulse rate which has been a steady 70bpm shot up to a steady 107 +/-5 about a week ago. I have seen my GP and had an ECG which shows that I am not in A/F. I have arranged a check on my pacemaker for the 18th Sept. I am wondering if anyone has had a similar experience. I am still feeling great.

[Mickey16]

Hi mullikg, I have a pacemaker and in my case the abnormal bpms were resolved by a setting on the pacemaker which the clinic implemented. It is possible the pacemaker can go into a "loop" and the pacemaker has an algorithm which can be switched. Hope this helps. I have found the pacemaker clinic very helpful.

Mickey16

[mullikg in reply to Mickey16]

Mickey 16 My first reply seems to have disappeared, so here goes. Thank you for your prompt reply , I was hoping for an answer like this. I have recently purchased a mobile phone and stupidly kept it in my top chest pocket. I think this has something to do with my problem.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to mullikg]

Yep that would do it! There have been lots of scare stories about pacemaker interference with even keyless cars being blamed. I do know that any magnetic field such as induction hobs etc can affect PMs so best keep your phone well away.

[seasider18 in reply to BobD]

I was given an advice leaflet when my MEDTRONIC, MRI COMPATIBLE pacemaker was fitted. I avoided an induction hob when we replaced our old one last year. I often set off security alarms when leaving shops if I go through them too slowly.

Recent readers question in the Daily Mail plus a follow up the next week.

dailymail.co.uk/health/arti...

Further to my advice last week concerning the use of induction hobs and risks to people with pacemakers, it has been brought to my attention that the advice sheet from Medtronic, a pacemaker manufacturer, states that the user should stand 2 ft (60cm) away from the hob.

The original inquiry came from a reader unable to find advice in their manufacturer's manual.

My response followed detailed research, including the advice of two cardiologists and a physicist.

Further to this, I repeat that the magnetic field generated by an induction hob is so limited that if a cooking pan is lifted 2cm up from the hob, it does not get hot.

It seems Medtronic is being cautious, and it may be that induction hobs and pacemakers vary — some even have built-in protections against interference from magnetic fields. The best advice is to heed any manufacturer's warning and to seek advice from your cardiologist.

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I have been looking for some information on what can be used and what cant - e.g is a petrol driven hedge trimmer better than a battery powered hedge trimmer for people with pacemakers.

You would think that nowadays there would be a Pacemaker Friendly option on kit or a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) status available.