Anyone got a pacemaker?

Sorry no experience of pacemakers myself, only thing I'm aware of is that you're not supposed to go near induction hobs.

But glad they're getting you sorted so quickly.

My Dad has a pacemaker and avid bike rider (proper rider, as in many miles and ragging it so to speak).

Because if this his was set at a lower BPM. You might want to mention how active you are.

He is 82. Its been in for many years now.

Sti riding.

I shall be watching this with interest as I'm in the same boat as you. Again fit ,slim and healthy. They discovered my issue after having what they thought was a seizure at 3am whilst asleep. After lots of testing and finally fitting an ECG recorder they found a similar issue to to yourself. Mine tends to happen whilst fully resting . So waiting for the call as well. Also very interested on the impact on riding both road and particularly MTB and any precautions I need to take with one fitted.

I have a induction hob fitted so no more cooking for me

Another waiting for tests, two blackouts this year (First while riding!).

I did know someone who had pacemaker fitted, only difference it seemed to make was at airports.

Good luck.

Good luck to all of you waiting to have them fitted. Thank goodness the problem was picked up in time. Father in law had one fitted at around 80 and helped him stay active the last few years of his life.

Do they have a "turbo" mode like an ebike?

Out of surgery now. I got given the Rolls Royce of pacemakers due to my age and fitness. It’s been set at 51 bpm to account for my fitness. My resting heart rate is about 60 normally.

This one has a 4G dongle to go on my bedside to upload my data to the manufacturer each day. I also have an app that I can’t get to work.

The doctors and nurses have been great. Very reassuring. I should be back on the bike in 3 months and there’s nothing stopping me ragging my heart as much as before. My issue was a low heart rate, so the pacemaker should be doing nothing when I’m cycling. No long term implications other than annual checkup and a battery change after 6-12 years.

Complete mystery why my heart started to play up. Absolutely zero issues until the moment it happened and then had four episodes over the space of a day. The cardiologist hasn’t shed much light on it, other than explaining the parts of the heart and wiring that seem to be playing up.

I wish @jimr80 and @richmars all the best.

@Fanatic278, speedy recovery.
Out of curiosity how old are you?
Regards the 3 months off the bike , why so long? Is it to let you heal properly or so not to stress the heart?

I have one - mine is set to let me go down to 53BPM as that was the average low resting heartrate I had previously.

Mine was required because of damage done to my hearts electrical function during surgery - which it has now recovered from. It remains in situ but with a longer interval before it takes action.

Never noticed any impact on riding at any point.

Mate of mine had one fitted in his late 30's - again, super slim marathon runner. Carried on running marathons, and was out twice a day. Unfortunately, he died about 3 years ago - sudden heart attack.

He'd had the 'battery' replaced a year or so before - major surgery - that's how I found out he'd had a pacemaker for some time - a note on one of his strava runs - didn't stop him running at all (once recvered).

Good luck all.

Sounds like a good(!) outcome Fanatic.

I just hope they find something wrong with me quickly, as currently not driving, I had some keyhole surgery on my heart a couple of years ago which may be related(?)

Take it easy and do what the Drs say!

@jimr80 3 months off the bike is just to let fibrosis build over the wire connections so they don’t accidentally pull out. I think my general health should recover in 3 weeks.

Age 43 by the way.

@Fanatic278,Thanks for that info. I thought that might be the case. I'm a carpenter so no doubt I can expect a lengthy spell off work as well. No one has spoke to me regards these points or my life style as of yet.

Best of luck, heal well.

@jimr80

The leaflet I got given says you should refrain from lifting anything heavier than 4.5kg for 3 weeks. So I guess if you are a carpenter then consider 3 weeks off work. The 3 months off the bike I think is a special precaution considering it’s ‘just a hobby’.

I have a induction hob fitted so no more cooking for me

If induction hobs genuinely affected pacemakers, you wouldn't be able to buy them.

Induction hobs, as well as other items with strong magnetic fields do seem to cause issues. Appears to be easily mitigated though.

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/induction-hobs-and-pacemakers

Similar to the induction hob thing, don't keep a Magsafe iPhone in a shirt pocket over the device.

Do they have a “turbo” mode like an ebike?

Kind of. Most will have a 'rate response' feature (which the techs can turn on or off) that responds to activity if your heart can't do that by itself. There's usually an accelerometer in the device that detects activity and raises the pacing rate. But this may not be necessary depending on the type of conduction issue a person has. Basic example: if your heart rate only sporadically drops out but is fine the other 99% of the time, this is probably not necessary.

Not medical advice, and at risk of sounding like CG, Lyme carditis can cause an acute reversible heart rhythm problem. I will usually check the serology in people who are likely to have been outdoors / at tick bite risk, though I've never seen a positive case, and I don't think this is accepted practice. Worth mentioning if you've had a recent exposure / rash / fever though. Statistically the overwhelming cause of symptomatic bradycardia is generic conduction tissue disease/fibrosis that has no specific treatment beyond pacing.

Thanks @superficial for the information.

In my case it won’t be Lyme related as I live in an area without many ticks (Perth, Australia). I wish I could find a reason to be honest as this makes zero sense to me. No family history, fit, slim, non-smoker, blah, blah. The cardiologist just said he has to treat what he finds. I got chatting to a young junior doctor who was happier to hypothesise. So we came up with the possibility of it being a combination of low resting heart rate, covid two weeks ago, and getting back on the bike too soon.

I’m out of hospital now and feeling great. A bit sore where they inserted it, but no issues with heart or energy levels. Just been for a walk on the beach. I’m lucky really - it could have gone much worse

Hi mate, I had a pacemaker fitted on April 19th due to pauses overnight of more than 3 seconds... not enough to make me black out, but now advised. I've had a history of ectopics (PVC's) but it never stopped me riding - endurance stuff, lots of long km's which may have contributed to the condition. I'm 66 and have had the PVC's since I was 20 - all due to electrical conduction between the top and bottom (A & V) of the heart. Apparently it's common in endurance athletes, so your 'cause' may be similar... you're not the only one. Like you I've been slim and fit all my life but it doesn't seem to matter with things like this. Anyway, I was back on the bike indoors after three weeks and back outside doing 70km after 4 so the prognosis is good. BTW mine was set at minimal pacing - my resting HR is 53.
Keep riding!

Hi @fanatic278

Similar to yourself I got a pacemaker three years ago. I am part of work based study on radio kit which means we get 10 yearly medicals. My medical showed an abnormal ECG and a trip to A&E. After a bit of consternation with the A&E medics (my heartrate was dropping to 23 at rest, normally about 39 to 40) I was referred to cardiology.

I was diagnosed with Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (common in the Japanese apparently). It is a genetic condition that caused thickening of the lower ventricles that interferes with the signals sent to the heart. In essence it means my heart stops for up to 13 seconds when sleeping (has no effect during normal daily life). Did need to get the anklebiter checked over but no indication that it has been inherited.

Had a pacemaker fitted which paces my heart to 45 if it drops below that. No impact on lifestyle, exercise other than the avoid induction hobs, airport security and don't keep your phone in your shirt pocket. No impact on cycling (it was very much seen as a positive thing). I was off the bike for a few months of recovery but no issues since then. Get the yearly checkups which thus far have not caused any concern.

Did try to get a pacemaker that could improve my cycling performance but they don't do them!

Sounds like you may have a similar condition. A bit of a shock at the time but barely notice it now. Hopefully yours will go the same and you will be out riding soon.

Regards

Our next door neighbour had one fitted about 15 years ago (early 60s at the time) for similar issues.  Former Cat 1 racer.  Was 'upgraded' to an internal defib about 3 years ago.  Continues to ride several times a week (road), though now at 76 and after 2 rounds of covid has ended up with an ebike recently (fair enough).  Honestly doesn't seem to stop him.  Only challenge is he is also on blood thinners, so of course is advised not to crash!  Best of luck.

[i]Anyone got a pacemaker?
fanatic278
Free Member
Currently waiting to go into surgery for a pacemaker.[/i]

I haven't got one handy but could try and knock one up in the workshop, what time is your surgery scheduled for?

I'm also undergoing cardiac investigations at the moment. I've been having very frequent dizzy spells, and occasional blackouts.

When I stand up, my heart rate shoots up from maybe 45-50 when sitting to perhaps 130 on standing, but even that's not enough to keep bloodflow to the brain and I keel over.

I've had the initial exam, a 7 day ECG, and recently an echocardiogram. Waiting on the results of that but the sonographer said, after about 10 seconds, "do you do a lot of exercise?" so I think he saw something not quite normal. Cardiologist noticed an arrhythmia on the first ECG too.

Really hoping I don't need a device, but equally not thrilled at the cardiologist's suggestion that I might just have to put up with it.

I was diagnosed with Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Oooh. I've got that too. Except in my case it's the probable cause of instances of my heart revving up to 200 bmp (Supra Ventricular Tachycardia) and as a result I'm on the waiting list for an ablation.

Exciting times.

Induction hobs, as well as other items with strong magnetic fields do seem to cause issues. Appears to be easily mitigated though.

So there are some studies looking into this. The pacemaker itself isn't directly affected (as you'd hope...) but its ability to sense the heart rhythm can be blinded.

I suspect that an induction hob wouldn't be capable of this due to the high switching frequency (25kHz Vs the 50Hz of the study).

However, electric drills were a big source of interference and as you're a carpenter I'd suggest digging a little deeper.

I wouldn’t worry too much at this stage about electric drills or induction hobs. Just as a reference here’s the guide for the manufacturer of my pacemaker which say cordless drills are fine.

https://content.biotronik.com/crm-emi-guide

I’m a welding engineer the guide says a big fat no to welding equipment. But the cardiologist and the representative from the pacemaker firm (who was in surgery) both said I’d be fine as long as I’m not physically doing the welding myself, which I don’t.

What I’m trying to say is there’s no need to worry. There’ll be a solution.

To @donald and @gingerflash I wish you the best of luck. I would say try not to worry, but from very recent experience I know that is impossible.

All I can say is that 24hrs from having it fitted and I feel fine. I’ve got a new gadget to play with. Went for a walk on the beach yesterday. If it weren’t for the mild discomfort around the wound, I reckon a bike ride would be technically feasible (and a very bad idea).

I also feel reassured from some replies above (thanks @spxxky and @spangelsaregreat). Keeping a positive mindset is the only thing I have control over. The rest is out of my hands.

Just had a letter from cardiologist re my fainting etc.

After a 7 day ECG and an echocardiogram, it seems I have a slight arrhythmia, and am leaking from two valves. And I'm still fainting.

Apparently cardiologist says this is all good, fine and normal, so I'm not even getting another appointment to discuss this. Just discharged.

I think I'd phone his secretary and ask for a telephone chat about that @gingerflash

Yeah. That does feel a bit unsatisfactory. Fainting all the time isn’t sustainable.

Is Gingerflash a goat?

If not, I would get a second opinion

"Fainting all the time isn’t sustainable."

She thinks it is. At the first appointment she said "it might just be something you have to put up with".

What helmet for getting off the sofa and going to the kitchen?

Would be worth talking to someone about how best to manage your symptoms but if there's nothing wrong with the heart itself (as suggested by the apparently normal enough scans/monitor) in general it's fluids +/- extra salt.

What you're describing sounds a bit like PoTS which is a whole thing. There are specific criteria for diagnosing it and it's more common in young ladies (I am being very presumptuous in assuming you're not in that group) so I'd be cautious about self-diagnosing, but there are some useful strategies for managing fainting on this website:

https://www.potsuk.org/managingpots/diet-and-fluids-2/

Side note: I believe those goats have an extreme form of periodic paralysis so they're not actually 'fainting' in the true sense. Just instantly (briefly) paralysed which I imagine must feel awful, at least the first few times it happens.

Hi gingerflash,

I'm seeing my consultant this afternoon. I'm doing this privately and I had a consultation with the health insurance GP, she said they'd keep doing tests until they found a reason for my blackouts. I don't know how possible this is, but due to my recent history the heart is a good starting point.

Seems a bit odd for yours to say 'just put up with it'

I know a few others (long-time cyclists in their 40s) who have been told just the same thing.
(different cities so not just one rogue Dr)

She has advised fluids and salt - not made any difference.

Her next best advice was to get up really slowly, tense all muscles in legs for a few seconds, and hold on to something as I rise. She pointed me to a website that recommended TED stockings. 🙁
I think I'd rather just fall over.

I think i should perhaps get some fighter pilot G-trousers. whenever i need to stand up from the sofa, i could just pump up the pants and send the blood upwards.

@fanatic278
How you getting on with the pacemaker?
I'm having mine done in approx a weeks time and was curious as to how the recovery is going and any tips you have come up with. Also day to day stuff.

@jimr80

It has been a smooth experience for me so far. It has been 3 weeks and feel physically 90% back to normal.

Your experience may differ but here’s how it went for me. Surgery was very quick - maybe 30 minutes. Local anaesthetic. Stayed in overnight . Arm in a sling for the journey home but didn’t bother with it after that. You can’t lift your arm above your head for 3 weeks, just to make sure the wires bed into your heart wall. First day home I went for a short walk on the beach. Worked from home the following day. Back in the office after 5 days.

Keep the surgical plaster on for 3 days. You can shower with it on apparently but I found baths easier. Took it off after that and just dressed with cheap gauze squares and tape. Spray on antiseptic rather than stuff in a pour bottle.

No lifting stuff greater than 3kg with your left arm for 3 weeks. No lifting arm above head either. The area around the pacemaker is still a bit tender, but I wouldn’t say painful.

I’m now up to doing longer hikes and walks. Taken my heart rate up to 140 and seems fine. Could gently cycle if allowed - but that’s been banned for three months. Seeing the cardiologist tomorrow to talk him down from that. I have no perception of the pacemaker doing it’s thing. I presume it’s giving me beats, but I can’t feel it.

Mentally there have been ups and downs. Trying to use some coping strategies I got from a counsellor. I joined some forums and Facebook groups that in hindsight wasn’t wise. I got a bit obsessive and any slight negativity really brought my mood down.

Hopefully you have a smooth experience. Happy to continue sharing updates if it helps. PM or in the forum.

My only tip… shave your chest! The nurse was not the best chest hairdresser.

Edit: another tip. Zip up hoodie or cardigans are easier to get on and off, given you can’t raise your arm above your head.

Oh. Forgot to mention my frozen shoulder. Common side effect of not being allowed to move your arm. I went to see a chiropractor and he sorted it with some serious deep tissue torture and dry needling.

Update.

Just home from an exciting day at the hospital having an ablation for the recurring SVTs.

It seems that the cause wasn't my apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, I just have the common or garden variety of SVT. The surgeons were fairly confident that this procedure will do the job. They were abke to trigger the SVT electrically but after the ablation they couldn't. So fingers crossed. It'll be nice to go on a long ride without worrying about triggering an episode.

Ginger - lower is Tom Cruise and upper is Arnie Schwarz...

;d

Seriously though, wishing a healthy journey for you guys onwards.

I once suffered a mini stroke whilst asleep and upon waking it subsided, once when aged 27 though never thought much of it.

My grandpa had triple by pass heart surgery in early 50s age and went on to fight covid in a care home aged 100 and a bit.
Different I know though just goes to show how much the correct surgery, support and advice can help even bitd.
Nan's nearly 99 yrs and has fought covid too fyi.

☺️

I've got the 24hr ECG monitor fitted at the moment, and due to return it this afternoon.
This is owing to the significant drop in my maximum and resting heart rates since starting ADT for my prostate cancer. I'd lost about 17 bpm of the top end, but my GP was more concerned that my resting heart rate had dropped into the very low 40s. No fainting or dizziness though. 53 and healthy otherwise (apart from the cancer!!).
I'm really, really hoping the heart thing turns out to be ok. I haven't got time for surgery!

I had to have a pacemaker fitted after OHS to replace my Aortic valve. The electrical pathway was damaged and I ended up with stage 3 heart block. Had it fitted about a month ago.

My heart rate is doing funny things currently which I'm not sure if its down to the PM or the surgery beforehand.

I can be sat at my computer and my HR jumps about from say 70 to about 120 for no reason.

Going up stairs can raise my heart rate to 135 without even trying.

Lying down in bed and my HR starts doing all sorts... missing beats, speeding up and slowing down etc.

Ive my first pacemaker clinic next week so will see what they say.