The first thing I want to say is that a pacemaker does not cure atrial fibrillation. But a pacemake r can certainly help in the management of atrial fibrillation in several situations. The first situation in which a pacemaker can help is when the atrial fibrillation just goes too slow. There are circumstances where the pulse can go too slow or even pause.
The pulse that you check when you're checking your heart rate comes from the bottom portion of the heart, or the ventricles, and even though you're in atrial fibrillation, sometimes the bottom portion of your heart, or your pulse can go too slow, or sometimes even pause.
In those cases, a pacemaker can help with that intermittent slowness or pauses. A second circumstance in which a pacemaker can help is what's called tachy brady syndrome. What that basically means is that when you are in AFib, your heart rate is going very fast, and you need fairly aggressive medication to help control the speed of the heart rate.
However, when AFib stops and you go back into normal rhythm, your natural heartbeat is very slow. It can be very difficult to balance out the two when you have a fast heartbeat in while in AFIb, and a very slow heartbeat when you're in normal rhythm.
Sometimes when you're taking medication for rapid atrial fibrillation, your natural heartbeat then becomes very slow when you get out of AFib. In this respect, the pacemaker also brings peace of mind. Another benefit is that a pacemaker does not require open-heart surgery for implantation. A pacemaker is implanted while you are sedated so you will not feel any pain.
Recovery also takes less time than open-heart surgical procedures. Once your doctor has confirmed that your pacemaker is responding as it should, he or she can give you permission to return to normal activities. Many people whose routines included regular exercise are able to resume physical activity without worry and without fear of their symptoms interfering with their workouts.
It is important to note that no medical procedure is without risks. A pacemaker is no exception. Some of the complications that may developed after a pacemaker has been implanted include:. Complications are also possible during the implantation procedure.
It is very rare, but a heart attack , stroke or collapsed lung are possible. In this situation, emergency surgery is necessary. It happens rarely, but there are occasions when a particular medical device, or some component, is recalled.
If this were to happen with your pacemaker, you would be notified by the device manufacturer and probably by your doctor as well. The recall may be as simple as a physical exam and some quick tests on the device.
At worst, the device might needs to be removed and replaced. However, because of the U. Your medical team will discuss the benefits and risks of pacemakers with you.
It is always a good idea to have a family member with you when discussing a procedure. Risk of atrial fibrillation after pacemaker implantation: A nationwide Danish registry-based follow-up study [published online October 22, ]. J Electrocardiol. Show More. Login Register. Read an unlimited amount by logging in or registering at no cost.
With the help of X-ray images, the surgeon guides the wires to your heart. Once the wires are in place, the surgeon will make an incision below your collarbone to create a small pocket for the pacemaker, place the pacemaker's small metal box into the pocket, and connect it to the wires that lead to your heart. Your doctor will work with you to help you manage your pacemaker and adjust your medications. Pacemaker surgery is generally safe. After your pacemaker is put in, continue to work closely with your doctor to control your afib and reduce your risk for blood clots, stroke, and heart failure.
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