Pacemaker check today, help please with explanation

[Taichid]

I had a pacemaker check, 3 months after initial check after 5 weeks. I was initially given Bisoprolol, which I find difficult to cope with, then 62.5 mg Digoxin as Dr Wanted my heart lower. Then upped to 125 mg after 2 weeks. Over the last week heart rate much lower, at 39, 40,s fifties and consistently at 60, together with increased side effects.Dr has dropped dose to 62.5 today.

Clinic stated the range for my rate was 60 to 130 bpm. However asked if my lower rates were recorded, they said no nothing below 60. I also asked if there were times recorded for the higher rate, again no. They didn’t explain so my heart rate could be higher when I was running for a bus, walking and carrying shopping and having a laser procedure on my eye,all within the last 3 months. They just said, see you in a year. After my trip to clinic and 2 buses,when I got home m heart rate was 60.

Have come to conclusion it is just a test to see if pacemaker working like any other mechanical device and does not give me any comfort about my state of health.

Would appreciate your comments please.

[Stanley18]

Hi

Please join our Pacemaker UK Facebook group if you’re not already a member. You’re highly likely to find others with a similar experience in that forum.

My device is set at 60bpm for bradycardia and 50bpm night setting and I know that my HR won’t go any lower.

[Bingo88 in reply to Stanley18]

Yes I agree it's a fantastic support group

[EMBoy]

Hi Taichid,

The pacemaker checks are really just that - to make sure your device is working properly.

When I first had my pacemaker fitted, they set it to the same values as yours - minimum 60bpm and maximum 130bpm, but later on the lower rate was reduced to 55bpm, so my heart rate cannot go lower than 55. The range they set is just the normal range for everyday activities, so if you run for a bus, your heart rate will increase as it would if you didn't have the pacemaker. If you are sitting quietly, it will go down to 60, but no lower.

Apparently, it takes about 6 months for your body to adapt to having a pacemaker, and they can tweak it to suit your lifestyle, so please just go ahead and enjoy the new lease of life it will give you. Mine has certainly made a big difference to me, and life is good.

[Taichid in reply to EMBoy]

Thankyou. Unfortunately it’s not sophisticated enough to record when the high rates occurred, nor the low ones below 60.

[Raznic]

You are absolutely correct. The (in my case twice annual) pacemaker checks are carried out by technicians, not doctors, and purely to ascertain the device is operating correctly. You should see your consultant for anything that is concerning you.