What is a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small medical device that uses sensors to monitor your heart rate. When the device detects an abnormal heart rhythm, it sends electrical pulses to the heart to restore a regular beat.
When might I need a pacemaker?
The team at Pinnacle Healthcare System uses pacemakers to stabilize arrhythmias and keep the heart muscles in sync with one another.
These problems often arise due to problems in the heart’s built-in conduction system or when you have damaged heart muscles.
The heart conditions most often treated with a pacemaker include:
- Bradycardia (a slow heartbeat)
- Atrial fibrillation (an irregular and rapid heartbeat)
- Heart failure (your heart can’t pump enough blood)
- Cardiomyopathy (enlarged or thickened heart muscle)
- Conduction disorders (problems with the heart’s electrical system)
You may also need a pacemaker after a heart attack or a heart transplant.
What symptoms indicate I might need a pacemaker?
The conditions in the list above cause symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Less able to exercise
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fluttering in your chest
- Racing heartbeat
- Abdominal bloating
- Swelling of your legs, ankles, and feet
If you have a slow heartbeat, the lack of oxygen to your brain may cause syncope or fainting.
What are the different types of pacemakers?
No matter what type of pacemaker, they all have a small pulse generator and one or more wires that connect the generator to your heart. Your provider implants the generator under your skin near your heart and guides the wires into your heart.
The three primary types of pacemakers differ in the number of wires and where your provider places the wires:
Single-chamber pacemaker
Your provider connects one wire to the upper or lower chamber on the right side of your heart.
Dual-chamber pacemaker
The dual-chamber device has two wires that your provider places in the right upper and lower chambers.
Biventricular pacemaker
A biventricular pacemaker has three wires that connect to the upper right chamber and the left and right lower chambers.
What should I expect after pacemaker implantation?
After your provider programs your pacemaker, they can monitor the device and your heart health remotely. The device sends real-time information to your provider so they can monitor your heart rhythm, the pacemaker’s functioning, and its battery life.
To learn more about pacemakers or to schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.
