Pacemaker

Normalizing a slow heartbeat for a more active lifestyle

A pacemaker can treat symptoms related to arrhythmia including exhaustion and fainting. By changing the heartbeat automatically to match a person’s level of physical activity, a pacemaker enables people to have a more active lifestyle.

Improving symptoms
While pacemakers aren’t a cure for the underlying condition causing an irregular heartbeat, certain symptoms of arrhythmia typically improve with a pacemaker, including:

• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Heart palpitations 
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling extremely tired
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness or fainting

Types of pacemakers
Different pacemakers address different areas of the heart to maintain a regular heartbeat.

• A single-chamber pacemaker is attached to the lower right heart chamber.
• A dual-chamber pacemaker has two wires attached to both the upper and lower right heart chambers.
• A biventricular pacemaker attaches to the heart in three places—the lower chambers and the right upper chamber. This type of pacemaker is typically used for people with both heart failure and a slow heartbeat to pace and strengthen the heart.

Your electrophysiologist will recommend a specific pacemaker based on the pacing of your heart. Even if you begin with a single-chamber or dual-chamber pacemaker, you may need to change to a biventricular pacemaker if your risk of heart failure increases. Your specialist will evaluate the need for this change during follow-up visits.

Pacemaker surgery & maintenance
Surgery to implant a pacemaker is considered minor. It can take around two to five hours. Performed in a specialized lab, the electrophysiologist inserts the pacemaker through a vein or a small incision in the chest.

The minimally invasive approach targets a vein near the heart, typically one running under the collarbone. Wires are threaded to the exact place in the heart for attachment. The pacemaker is then connected to the wires and inserted under the skin of the upper chest.

With a surgical-based approach, wires are connected to your heart directly through an incision in your chest. The pacemaker is placed under the skin of the abdomen.

Follow-up appointments include an evaluation of the generator and battery life associated with the pacemaker. Generators and batteries can last 5 to 10 years before they need to be replaced and are checked regularly at follow up appointments. Replacement is typically a simple procedure.

Learn more about Wellstar heart rhythm care and find an electrophysiologist near you.