Pacemaker failure

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Pacemaker Failure is a medical condition where a pacemaker, a device implanted in the body to regulate the heart rhythm, fails to perform its function properly. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including battery depletion, lead dislodgement, or device malfunction.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Pacemaker failure can be caused by a number of factors. These include:

  • Battery Depletion: The battery in the pacemaker can run out of power, causing the device to stop functioning.
  • Lead Dislodgement: The leads, or wires, that connect the pacemaker to the heart can become dislodged or broken.
  • Device Malfunction: The pacemaker device itself can malfunction, causing it to fail.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of pacemaker failure can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the failure. Some common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fainting spells

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of pacemaker failure typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests may include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help identify any abnormalities.
  • Pacemaker interrogation: This is a specialized test that checks the function of the pacemaker.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for pacemaker failure depends on the cause of the failure. Options may include:

  • Battery Replacement: If the battery is depleted, it will need to be replaced.
  • Lead Repair or Replacement: If the leads are dislodged or broken, they may need to be repaired or replaced.
  • Device Replacement: If the pacemaker device is malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Pacemaker failure Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD