Pacemaker

Heart & Vascular Institute

Interventional Cardiovascular Specialists serving Michigan

A pacemaker is a very small battery-operated device that generates electrical impulses to help your heart function normally. At Heart & Vascular Institute in Wayne, Dearborn, Detroit, Allen Park, and Southfield, Michigan, you can get a modern pacemaker that treats arrhythmias and helps you live your life to the fullest. To find out which type of pacemaker can benefit your health, book an exam online or call the office nearest you directly to schedule an appointment.

Pacemaker Q & A

Why do I need a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a surgically implanted device that sends out electrical impulses to help stabilize your heart rhythm. Your cardiologist may recommend a pacemaker to treat arrhythmias if your heart beats:

Too slowly (bradycardia)
Too fast (tachycardia)
Irregularly

The issue when you have arrhythmias is that the abnormal beating of your heart can affect normal blood flow. Arrhythmias are known for causing chronic fatigue, fainting spells, and shortness of breath, to name a few issues.

However, in severe cases, blood flow issues caused by arrhythmias can lead to organ damage. Getting a pacemaker can restore your normal heart rhythm, improve your blood flow, and prevent these serious types of problems from occurring.

How does a pacemaker work?

Heart & Vascular Institute proudly offers the most up-to-date types of pacemakers on the market. In general, all pacemakers send out electrical pulses that stabilize your heart rhythm. But each type of pacemaker works differently.

Single-chamber pacemaker

A single-chamber pacemaker connects to one chamber of your heart, either your right ventricle (lower chamber) or your right atrium (upper chamber).

Dual-chamber pacemaker

This type of pacemaker has two leads that connect to both of the chambers — the ventricle and the atrium — on the right side of your heart. A dual-chamber pacemaker helps both of your heart’s chambers work better together.

Biventricular pacemaker

Also known as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), a biventricular pacemaker has three leads. Your cardiologist connects a lead to your right atrium, as well as a lead to your right and left ventricles. In general, this type of pacemaker is only necessary if you have severe arrhythmias caused by heart failure.

How long does a pacemaker last?

The cardiologists at Heart & Vascular Institute find that most pacemakers last about 4-8 years. However, if you need a biventricular pacemaker, it usually lasts for around 2-4 years.

Your dedicated cardiologist has you follow up regularly and educates you about how to monitor the functions of your pacemaker.

Heart & Vascular Institute provides comprehensive pacemaker implant and management care. Learn more by booking an evaluation through the website or by phone with the clinic nearest you today.

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