Conditions & Services / Pacemaker and Defibrillator 

A pacemaker and defibrillator are devices that help control the beat and rhythm of your heart. The skilled cardiologists at HeartPlace can determine if you need a pacemaker or defibrillator and place the appliance. For expert cardiology care from the top-rated cardiologists in North Texas, call one of their 30 locations or schedule an appointment online today. 

What are pacemakers and defibrillators?

A pacemaker and a defibrillator are implantable devices that control the beating of your heart.

Pacemaker

A pacemaker is a small device made up of a pulse generator and lead wires, or electrodes. The device provides low-energy shocks that keep your heart beating normally.

Your pacemaker may have one, two, or three lead wires, depending on your specific heart condition. 

Defibrillator

A defibrillator is a device that delivers an electric shock to your heart to reestablish a normal heartbeat. Defibrillators include external devices placed on your chest to deliver the electric shock.

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) device is similar to the pacemaker but comes with a generator and lead wires. However, the ICD sends stronger electric shocks to your heart to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Who needs a pacemaker?

You may need a pacemaker if you have an abnormally slow heartbeat following a heart attack (myocardial infarction). The cardiologists at HeartPlace may also place the device if you have a chronically slow or irregular heartbeat or they want to prevent heart failure. 

For patients with heart failure or heartbeat problems, the cardiologists at HeartPlace may place a biventricular pacemaker. The biventricular pacemaker synchronizes the function of the lower chambers of your heart (left and right ventricles), so your heart beats more efficiently.

Who needs a defibrillator?

The external defibrillator is often used on patients in cardiac arrest (heart stops beating) or with severe arrhythmia. Your cardiologist at HeartPlace may recommend an ICD if you have a life-threatening heart arrhythmia such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.

What happens after I have a pacemaker or defibrillator?

After placement of your pacemaker, your cardiologist gives you specific instructions regarding care and management. HeartPlace has you return to the office every 3-6 months to monitor your pacemaker, heartbeat, and heart health.

After placing an ICD, your provider schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor heart health. In addition to resetting the rhythm of your heart with an electric shock, the ICD also acts as a pacemaker.

To find out more about the pacemaker and defibrillator, call HeartPlace or schedule a consultation at the office nearest you online today.