Cardiology
Heart rhythm disorders: when should a pacemaker be considered?
The heart beats thanks to an electrical system. A rhythm that is too slow, too fast or irregular can cause palpitations, tiredness, breathlessness or dizzy spells.
Written by the Polycrabat Sevamed team · Published on
In brief
- A rhythm that is too slow, too fast or irregular can cause palpitations, tiredness, breathlessness or dizzy spells.
- An intermittent disorder may be missed by an electrocardiogram taken after the symptoms have gone: prolonged recording is sometimes necessary; loss of consciousness, chest pain or severe breathlessness are emergencies.
- A pacemaker treats certain slow heart rhythms or conduction disorders when the indication is established; it is not a universal treatment for palpitations.
What treatments are there?
Treatments differ considerably: monitoring, adjusting medicines, preventing clots in certain arrhythmias, a catheter-based procedure or an implantable device.
When is a pacemaker offered?
A pacemaker mainly treats certain slow heart rhythms or conduction disorders when the indication is established. It is not a universal treatment for palpitations or for all fast heart rhythms.
What follow-up after implantation?
The team checks how the device is working, the condition of the scar and the symptoms. Scheduled check-ups make it possible to adjust the settings and monitor the battery.
Living with the device
The patient receives an identification card for the device and instructions about the wound, activities, certain tests and possible interactions with other devices.
Useful questions to ask
- Which rhythm disorder has been documented, and by which test (electrocardiogram, prolonged recording)?
- Could a reversible cause or a medicine be responsible?
- If a pacemaker is proposed, on what precise indication, and which instructions must I follow afterwards?
Frequently asked questions
Does a pacemaker treat all palpitations?
No. It treats certain situations involving a slow rhythm or abnormal conduction.
Does a normal ECG rule out an intermittent arrhythmia?
No. A longer recording can be useful.
This content provides general medical information. It does not replace a consultation or a personalised decision by your care team. In case of serious or sudden symptoms, contact the emergency services in your country or a doctor without delay.
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How is the disorder identified?
An electrocardiogram can capture the abnormality if it is present at the time of the test. When symptoms are intermittent, prolonged recording may be needed. The cardiologist also looks for reversible causes, certain medicines, a thyroid disorder or an associated heart disease. Chest pain, loss of consciousness or severe breathlessness require urgent care.