pacemaker question

[happy593]

I am a 70 year old women who has had a pacemaker for 9 years.  The pacemaker was changed in October 2008 for a new pacemaker. The rate of the new pacemaker was set not to go under 60  or over 120 beats per minute. I started having feelings of pounding in my chest and irregular heartbeats.  The cardiologist  told me that there was nothing wrong but changed the lower rate to 70. When I take my pulse, It is frequently under 70.  Is this normal or something I should be worried about?  

[Jerry_NJ]

I agree, be sure you're getting an accurate pulse count before you question the pacemaker.  I don't have one, but I believe they are very accurate.

What do you mean under 70, 68?  I'd not worry about that, just rounding "error".  If you get 60, say, then you do have a real difference.  Again, try to get the pulse count accurately.

I have a great deal of trouble feeling my pulse, yes I know I'm lucky, and I use a sport watch, a Pulsar brand, with a chest strap when I really what to know my pulse.  Also effective is a stethoscope, and it lets me clearly hear any "strange" rhythm/sounds.  I got my stethoscope at Walmart, must have been under $30.  

[ireneo]

Hmm, can your pacemaker be interrogated to see if you're having any arrhythmias? If the pacer is set for 70, I can't see how the heart rate should drop below that for any length of time. If you have a BP cuff at home, you could use that when you feel odd to check your BP as well as get a pulse rate. Trying to take the pulse yourself using your fingertips may not be as accurate.