If you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, you may have an arrhythmia. You’ll need to visit a vascular doctor in Dayton, Ohio to see what’s going on. At Buckeye Heart and Vascular Institute, we’ll give you a full evaluation to test what the problem is. Do you definitely have an arrhythmia? And will you need an implant to correct it?
What is an Arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia involves a change in the normal electrical impulses of the heart. This can cause the heart to beat in a different way — be it faster, slower, or irregularly. This means that blood isn’t circulating properly because the heart isn’t beating the way it needs to
Arrhythmias can be caused by any number of things. These include high blood pressure, damage from a heart attack, or problems with your thyroid. We can do various tests to determine what causes your arrhythmia, and then determine how to fix it. Treatment will depend on the type and cause of your arrhythmia, as well as other health factors.
Types of Implantable Cardiac Devices
Buckeye Heart and Vascular Institute offers a pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for implantation. Each device is designed to help with different symptoms and types of arrhythmias.
Implanted just below the collarbone, a pacemaker sends electrical pulses to the heart so that it beats in a normal rhythm. Pacemakers can be used to correct both fast and slow heart rhythms, as well as irregular ones
We usually recommend pacemakers for patients that have suffered from a heart block, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, syncope, long QT syndrome, or other arrhythmia-related issues. Temporary pacemakers are used in an emergency situation and permanent ones are used to keep heartbeats regulated over long lengths of time
An ICD is also implanted under the collarbone. It can detect when the heart is beating at an abnormal pace and either slow down or speed up the heart. It also can detect an abnormal heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock so it can beat normally. ICDs can go in-depth and records all of the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. These recordings help your doctor know exactly how to adjust your device so that it’s running perfectly
The ICD is normally recommended for people with life-threatening arrhythmias. An ICD can be programmed to respond to the specific type of arrhythmia you have. It’s also given to people who have suffered from a heart attack, have a genetic condition that messes with the heart rhythm, and those with generally poor heart function.
Getting an Implant at Your Dayton, OH Vascular Doctor
At Buckeye Heart and Vascular Institute, we have various tests to determine the cause of your arrhythmia and whether an implantable device is the right treatment for you. Call us today or schedule an appointment online!