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Pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are life-saving devices that restore your normal heartbeat when it’s too fast, slow, or irregular. At Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, in Ocala, Florida, the skilled cardiologists have extensive experience implanting pacemakers and ICDs and providing the ongoing care you need to promote a healthy heart. If you need a pacemaker or ICD, or you have worrisome heart symptoms like chest pain, call the office today or use online booking to schedule an appointment and get expert cardiovascular care.
Pacemakers and ICD Q & A
What are pacemakers and ICDs?
Pacemakers and ICDs are small, battery-operated devices implanted into your chest or heart. Both send an electrical signal when needed to restore a normal heartbeat. However, they treat different problems:
Pacemakers
Pacemakers constantly monitor your heart and send out an electrical pulse when they detect a slow or irregular heartbeat. The pulse restores a steady rhythm.
ICDs
ICDs also monitor your heart and send an electrical pulse when needed. However, they detect rapid or chaotic heartbeats that often cause a sudden cardiac arrest.
A sudden cardiac arrest occurs when your heart stops because of an irregular heart rhythm. This is different from a heart attack, in which your heart stops because blood flow is blocked.
When the ICD detects a problem, it either sends an electrical pulse to restore a normal heartbeat or it shocks (defibrillates) the heart to restart it and prevent a sudden cardiac arrest. Your ICD may also be equipped with a pacemaker feature that restores a slow heartbeat.
What symptoms are a warning that I may need a pacemaker or ICD?
The heart conditions treated with pacemakers and ICDs cause one or more of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fluttering in your chest
- Loss of consciousness
- Abdominal bloating
- Swelling of your legs, ankles, and feet
Don’t wait to connect with Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, and schedule a heart assessment if you experience any of these symptoms.
How are pacemakers and ICDs implanted?
Conventional pacemakers and ICDs consist of a small device and wires running from the device to your heart. The device monitors your heartbeat and generates electrical pulses.
To implant both devices, your provider makes a small incision and places the device under the skin in your upper chest. Then they run wires through your blood vessels and into your heart.
Wireless pacemakers are implanted using interventional cardiology techniques. This type of pacemaker contains all of the components in one small and slender device your provider places in your heart.
Your provider makes a tiny incision in an arm, groin, or thigh vein and inserts a catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube). They use the catheter to guide the wireless pacemaker through your blood vessels to your heart.
Call Lorven Heart and Vascular Institute, LLC, today, or request an appointment online to learn more about pacemakers and ICDs.