Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Heart Rate Problems: Should I Get a Pacemaker?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Heart Rate Problems: Should I Get a Pacemaker?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Get the facts

Your options

  • Get a pacemaker.
  • Don't get a pacemaker.

This decision aid is NOT for people with heart failure. The decision for heart failure patients may involve a special type of pacemaker (cardiac resynchronization therapy) and may raise other issues to think about.

Key points to remember

  • A pacemaker can help you feel better so you can return to your daily activities.
  • A pacemaker sends electrical pulses to your heart to help it work better. You can't feel the pulses.
  • If you get a pacemaker, you may still need to take medicines. You'll also need to follow a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating heart-healthy foods, being active, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking.
  • Talk to your doctor about how a pacemaker might help you. For example, a pacemaker may be a good choice if your heart rate is very slow and you have symptoms like dizziness or fainting.
  • There can be problems from the procedure to implant a pacemaker. You could get an infection where the pacemaker was placed. Most pacemakers have wires (called leads) that connect the pacemaker to your heart. These wires can move from the spot where they were placed. Or the pacemaker or leads might not work.

FAQs

Incomplete section

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.