What Role Does a Pacemaker Play in Keeping Your Heart Healthy?

Having a healthy heart health is imperative to your overall well-being. When you're experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, your heart may be in trouble.

A pacemaker is a device that the Heart Clinic of Hammond team uses to control your heart's electrical system. Dr. Ghiath Mikdadi and Dr. Farid Zayed are two experienced cardiologists who offer several treatment options for electrical problems in your heart.

What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is an implanted device that regulates how your heart beats. It's a small, battery-controlled device that we insert to control the electrical system in your heart.

Your heart has its electrical system, which keeps beating at the right pace and regularly. However, some conditions affect the electrical system in your heart, which throws off the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat.

A pacemaker uses electrical impulses to take over your heart's electrical system when it malfunctions. The pacemaker regulates your heart rate and rhythm to prevent dangerous complications like a heart attack or cardiac arrest.

It's important to understand that a pacemaker only fires when needed by your heart. The device has two parts: a pulse generator and electrodes.

The pulse generator is the small device that holds the battery, which controls the electrical impulses to your heart. We place the electrodes in the chambers of your heart to deliver the electrical impulses from the pulse generator.

When do you need a pacemaker?

There are several instances when we suggest a pacemaker for your health. We take the time to evaluate your symptoms and your heart to determine if a pacemaker is the safest treatment option for your condition.

One of the ways we evaluate your health is through a thorough medical history, including symptoms you've been experiencing related to your heart. Some of the signs that indicate you could use a pacemaker include the following:

• Heart palpitations
• A slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
• A fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Chest pain or angina
• Shortness of breath with activity
• Unexplained dizziness or fainting
• Swelling in your legs and ankles
• Increased need to urinate at night

We consider all of your symptoms when evaluating you for pacemaker insertion. Our team also orders tests like an electrocardiogram or echocardiogram to look at your heart. We then determine if a pacemaker is the best treatment route for your condition.

Benefits of a pacemaker on your heart

Pacemakers are cutting-edge devices that improve your life when you're suffering from a heart condition that threatens your well-being. The implanted device allows your heart to beat at a standard rate and regularly to avoid severe complications of heart problems.

There are various benefits to having a pacemaker, some of which include the following:

• Preventing your heart from suddenly stopping
• Arrhythmia prevention
• Relief of symptoms like lightheadedness and chest pain
• Improved quality of life
• Reduction in complications from heart issues

The pacemaker regulates your heartbeat and delivers oxygenated blood to your entire body. The benefits of a heart beating normal are endless. You're at a decreased risk for a heart attack from an arrhythmia or oxygen deprivation from a fast heart rate.

To learn more about pacemakers, don't hesitate to call Heart Clinic of Hammond today at 985-974-9278. You may also request an appointment online for a consultation at our Hammond or Amite, Louisiana offices.