5 Reasons to Consider a Permanent Pacemaker

A pacemaker is a life-saving tool doctors use to fix issues that cause the heart to beat irregularly, too fast, or too slow. It's an implanted medical device that many people need to stay healthy.

But when should someone consider a permanent pacemaker? A fast heart rate or chest pain isn't necessarily a reason to have surgery, but it could just be the beginning of heart trouble that a permanent pacemaker could fix.

If you're worried about your heart health, contact the Heart Clinic of Hammond in Amite and Hammond, Indiana. Dr. Ghiath Mikdadi and Dr. Farid Zayed are experienced cardiologists who offer electrocardiograms, permanent pacemaker insertion, and cardiac intervention.

How does a pacemaker work?

A pacemaker is an implanted medical device that stabilizes your heart rate or rhythm to avoid potentially life-threatening complications. It usually sits just below your collarbone and requires surgery.

The pacemaker works by controlling your heart's electrical impulses. The heart muscle has an electrical system that tells each chamber when to beat. However, specific issues cause the electrical system to malfunction, leading to arrhythmias and a fast or slow heartbeat.

Different types of pacemakers treat various issues within the heart's chambers. For instance, a single-chamber pacemaker sends electrical impulses only to one heart chamber, while dual-chamber pacemakers send electrical impulses to the upper and lower heart chambers.

The type of pacemaker you require depends on your heart issue and the affected chambers.

Reasons to consider a pacemaker

Not everyone who has an irregular heart rhythm or rate needs a pacemaker. But if you have specific symptoms that don't resolve with other treatments, it's time to consider this option.

There are several reasons our team urges you to consider a permanent pacemaker, including the following:

1. Persistent fast or slow heartbeat

Bradycardia and tachycardia are two heart issues that cause the heart to either beat too slowly or fast. Bradycardia doesn't get oxygenated blood to the tissues fast enough, while tachycardia doesn't allow the chambers to fill and empty.

A pacemaker sends electrical impulses to control your heart rate to help with other issues and symptoms.

2. You experience regular palpitations

Regular heart palpitations may indicate that your heart has irregular beats that don't prevent the chambers from filling and emptying. This results in less oxygenated blood being delivered to the body, causing symptoms like chest discomfort and shortness of breath.

3. Persistent swelling in your legs and ankles

Congestive heart failure, certain arrhythmias, and bradycardia can lead to chronic swelling in the legs, which is very uncomfortable. The pacemaker helps control the ventricular contractions and allows the heart to beat as it should, slowly eliminating excess swelling.

4. Shortness of breath

Regular shortness of breath could indicate a problem with your heart function. A pacemaker helps with shortness of breath by regulating irregular rhythms and controlling your heart rate, eliminating symptoms like dizziness or fainting.

5. Regular episodes of chest pain

Chest pain often means the heart isn't getting enough blood flow, which can happen with heart failure and certain arrhythmias. After we rule out a heart attack, we suggest a pacemaker to control the abnormal rhythm, preventing proper heart circulation.

What is having a pacemaker like?

Living with a pacemaker isn't as scary as you think – it significantly improves your quality of life. After the procedure, you will notice a bump in your chest where we placed the pacemaker.

After you heal, following the recovery protocol and timeline is essential. It's also vital to go to your device checks and keep your regularly scheduled appointments. The device checks are crucial in checking your pacemaker's battery life and settings to keep your heart healthy.

The pacemaker battery typically lasts about five to fifteen years, depending on your model and type. After that time, when the battery gets depleted, our team changes the pacemaker to a new one.

A pacemaker shouldn't interrupt your everyday activities, but there are some precautions to take. It's essential to always carry your pacemaker ID card with you, especially when traveling.

Avoid carrying your phone near your chest to interrupt the pacemaker's signal. Tell the technician you have a pacemaker if you need an MRI or any other test.

Call the Heart Clinic of Hammond team today to schedule a permanent pacemaker appointment with Dr. Mikdadi or Dr. Zayed, or you can request a consultation on our website.