HomeAnswersInternal MedicinearrhythmiasWhy is the heart rate hitting 130 with pacemaker?

Why is the heart rate hitting 130 with pacemaker?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 12, 2018
Reviewed AtDecember 6, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My mother had pacemaker operation six months back. From past five days, her heart rate is hitting 130 very frequently (when she is not idle) every 20 minutes or so. She is feeling a discomfort because of this. When we met the doctor with the pacemaker test, he told everything is normal. My question here is if everything is normal why heart rate is hitting 130 frequently? It is on every activity she does like walk, bath, etc. Please kindly advise me on this.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Although it is difficult to answer without knowing the exact diagnosis, if pacemaker/ AICD is working well per interrogation, she is safe in terms of fatal arrhythmia or dangerously low heart rate, as her device will kick in if it detects any abnormalities. This arrhythmia may be sinus tachycardia or may be dehydration. My advice would be to hydrate her well and ask her cardiologist to go up on beta blocker dose if her blood pressure tolerates.

I can give more specific answers, provided knowing the diagnosis, device she is having, and her current medications. Thanks.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks a lot for your response. The device she is having is " St.Jude medicals- Endurity MRI PM2172". She is taking only one tablet in the morning at 8 AM which is MET XL 25 mg. Please let me know if I need to provide any more details.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You forgot to mention her diagnosis as a pacemaker is used in many conditions.

MET XL (Metoprolol) 25 is a pretty basic low dose. If her BP tolerates, like stays more than 120/80 and she does not feel dizzy, I would recommend going up to 50 mg once daily to have better control of HR. Even if not in control, it can be titrated up to 75 or even 100 mg once daily, but I think 50 would be safer for her. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and change the dosage with their consent.

Also with this pacemaker, you can get MRI if ever needed in life for her. Other ordinary pacemakers preclude getting MRI.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your response. Please find attached the diagnosis details when admitted to hospital six months back and cause of pacemaker operation. The current situation is that her PR is hitting 130 almost five times every hour. Whenever PR hits 130, she is feeling discomfort. Her BP is reaching 130/90 during that time only. Else, it is in the normal range of 120/80. Please kindly suggest.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the files (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I think she can safely go up to 50 mg or even higher for HR control if blood pressure tolerates. Also, she is having a pacemaker. So, worsening of her AV block, should not be a problem in her case.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hassan Shoukat
Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Hassan Shoukat

Internal Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

pacemakerarrhythmias

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Internal Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy