Roller Skating Again

Louise Vandezande, a resident of the port city of Oostende, Belgium, had experienced severe palpitations and dyspneoa, along with fatigue in the years following her pacemaker implantation. Her condition limited her exercise tolerance and even prevented Louise from doing routine activities. In 1995, Louise's condition worsened as she began experiencing extreme fatigue and severe heart palpitations.

The diagnosis: atrial fibrillation or AF, the most common abnormal heart rhythm. AF is a very fast, uncontrolled heart rhythm that occurs when the upper chambers of the heart try to beat so fast that they only can quiver. During AF, the upper chambers beat between 350 and 600 times per minute. Normal heart rhythm is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Typically, a pacemaker implantation helps manage AF. In Louise's case, her symptoms continued even after the implant of her first pacemaker. In 2003, Louise's pacemaker was upgraded to the St. Jude Medical Identity™ ADx pacemaker, which features the unique AF Suppression™ algorithm. Louise felt better immediately.

After receiving the Identity ADx pacemaker, Louise's heart palpitations disappeared. Now she has more energy for her daily long-distance walks. And better yet, Louise is able to participate in her favorite pastime, roller skating. Roller skating is more than a pastime. Louise once held the world championship title in Barcelona, Spain, in the early years of professional roller skating.

We're glad Louise is back on her wheels and able to go the distance.