What are the benefits and risks of getting a pacemaker for heart block?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My mother is 78 years old and I am very confused about deciding whether should go for a pacemaker or not. The doctor is saying a pacemaker is a must immediately as she has a heart block.

Kindly suggest.

Answered by Dr. Alka

Education:

BAMS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Alka is a dedicated Ayurveda Specialist with expertise in holistic and evidence-based Ayurvedic treatments. Her areas of focus include digestive disorders, stress management, skin conditions, lifestyle-related ailments, and chronic pain. She combines traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern insights to offer personalized care that promotes long-term wellness and natural healing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query and went through all your reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). Your mother has a problem associated with her heart, her ECG (electrocardiogram) shows bradycardia (low heart rate) and arrhythmia. A pacemaker is a small device placed in the chest or abdomen to control abnormal heartbeat. It usually sends electric signals to correct arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat. In a normal heart SA node present in the heart acts as a pacemaker. But in your mother, as the SA node is unable to maintain a normal heart rate, bradycardia, and other abnormalities have occurred. Pacemaker implantation is required to help her maintain a normal heartbeat. But just like other surgeries pacemaker implant is also associated with some risks and she is old too. But no medicine or any other thing can replace the need for pacemaker insertion. So take a look at your mother's condition. In an emergency, you have to make the decision. In case you still face confusion and have some time then you can consult a nearby cardiologist for a second opinion.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Alka
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At June 29, 2023
Reviewed At September 16, 2024

Education:

BAMS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Alka is a dedicated Ayurveda Specialist with expertise in holistic and evidence-based Ayurvedic treatments. Her areas of focus include digestive disorders, stress management, skin conditions, lifestyle-related ailments, and chronic pain. She combines traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern insights to offer personalized care that promotes long-term wellness and natural healing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

BAMS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Alka is a dedicated Ayurveda Specialist with expertise in holistic and evidence-based Ayurvedic treatments. Her areas of focus include digestive disorders, stress management, skin conditions, lifestyle-related ailments, and chronic pain. She combines traditional Ayurvedic principles with modern insights to offer personalized care that promotes long-term wellness and natural healing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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