Pacemaker for Heart Arrhythmia 

Restoring your heart’s natural rhythm

Reid Health Heart & Vascular Center offers comprehensive pacemaker services for people in East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio with heart rhythm disorders and heart failure. Our experienced cardiology team provides personalized heart care close to home.  

What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is often needed when your heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. It’s a small electronic device implanted near your heart that uses tiny wires to monitor its rhythms and send electrical signals to your heart when needed, ensuring it beats at a regular pace. 

Why you may need a pacemaker

You might have a pacemaker implanted if you have:

• Atrial fibrillation: Also known as AFib, this is a heart rhythm disorder.
• Bradycardia: This condition causes your heart to beat too slowly.
• Cardiac arrest: This is a life-threatening problem with your heart’s electrical system.
• Certain congenital heart defects: Congenital heart defects are issues with the heart’s structure that are present at birth.
• Congestive heart failure: Congestive heart failure develops when the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to the rest of the body.
• Heart block: This condition occurs when your heart beats irregularly.
• Tachycardia: If you have this heart rhythm disorder, your heart beats too fast.

Types of pacemakers

We offer various types of pacemakers to suit different needs. Traditional pacemakers use tiny wires (also called leads) to stimulate and regulate your heart’s rhythm and include:

• Single-lead pacemakers: These devices stimulate one chamber of the heart with one wire, typically the right ventricle.
• Dual-lead pacemakers: These pacemakers typically stimulate both the upper and lower chambers on the right side of your heart with two wires.
• Biventricular pacemakers: Also known as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, these pacemakers use three leads to help coordinate the contractions of the left side and right side of your heart for people with heart failure.

Our experienced team will work with you to determine the most appropriate type of pacemaker for your specific condition.

Leadless pacemakers

Some newer pacemakers are smaller, wireless devices that combine the pulse generator and electrodes in a single unit. These leadless pacemakers can be put in with a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require surgery.  

Living with a pacemaker

After you receive a pacemaker, you can expect to see significant improvements in your symptoms and overall quality of life. Modern pacemakers are designed to be durable, with a battery life of up to 15 years.

Our commitment to your heart health doesn’t end with the implantation procedure. We provide comprehensive follow-up care, including ongoing patient education and support and regular checkups to ensure your pacemaker is functioning correctly.

Take the first step toward a healthier heart

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an irregular heartbeat, don’t wait to seek help. A pacemaker can improve both your quality of life and heart function. One of our heart specialists can help you explore whether a pacemaker is the right solution for you. We’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to keep your heart beating in rhythm.