5 Signs You’re a Candidate for an Implantable Pacemaker

Living with an irregular or slow heartbeat causes various symptoms that interfere with everyday life. If conservative treatments aren't working to keep your heart working correctly, an implantable pacemaker may be the next step.

At the Heart Clinic of Hammond, our team specializes in cardiac problems, coronary intervention, and stress testing to determine the treatment you need.

Dr. Ghiath Mikdadi and Dr. Farid Zayed are two board-certified cardiologists providing implantable pacemakers to patients who meet the proper criteria.

What is an implantable pacemaker?

An implantable pacemaker is a small device that contains leads within the heart and a battery that controls it. The pacemaker monitors the heart's rate and rhythm, delivering painless electrical impulses when the heart rate dips too low or becomes irregular.

We implant the pulse generator (battery) right under the skin, usually on the upper aspect of the chest. It contains the electronic parts that control the electrical impulses to the leads.

The leads go into the heart's four chambers to detect the heart rate and rhythm. If they become irregular or too low, the pulse generator sends electrical impulses to return the heart rate or rhythm to normal.

A permanent pacemaker controls the rate and rhythm to ensure the heart pumps out adequate blood to the body and organs.

Five signs you need a pacemaker

Not everyone with a slow heart rate or an irregular heartbeat needs a permanent pacemaker. It's essential to know when to seek help for symptoms that indicate you need an implantable pacemaker.

The following are five tell-tale signs that you could be a good candidate for a permanent pacemaker:

1. Slow heart rate (below 60 bpm)

Some people, especially athletes, have resting heart rates below 60 beats per minute, but they usually don't experience any symptoms. If you have a slow heartbeat that causes symptoms, such as fatigue, it's time to consider a pacemaker.

2. Dizziness or lightheadedness

Frequent dizziness or lightheadedness could be a sign your heart isn't beating properly. We perform an electrocardiogram and stress testing to determine if your heart is the cause of these symptoms. If so, you might be a candidate for a permanent pacemaker.

3. Heart palpitations

Heart palpitations feel like your heart skips a beat or a fluttering in your chest. These arrhythmias may cause various issues, including an irregular heart rate and poor circulation to vital organs. Heart palpitations are one of the signs that you could benefit from a permanent pacemaker.

4. Signs of heart failure

Heart failure causes blood to back up, disrupting good circulation to the body's organs. If you have swelling in the legs and feet, frequent shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, you may be a good candidate for an implantable pacemaker.

5. Chest pain or fatigue

Chest pain is always a sign that you need a cardiac evaluation, especially if you experience extreme fatigue or exercise intolerance. We suggest coming in for an assessment if you frequently experience chest pain with shortness of breath and other symptoms.

Our team carefully evaluates your heart through various diagnostic studies, including an electrocardiogram or Holter monitor, if you experience symptoms. Specific symptoms that interfere with daily life or put you at risk for a heart attack may warrant a permanent pacemaker.

We review all the information you need to make an informed decision about getting a pacemaker compared to other coronary interventions.

Don't hesitate to contact the Heart Clinic of Hammond team today in Hammond or Amite, Louisiana, to discuss a permanent pacemaker or request an appointment online.