Overview of the Condition

A heart arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat caused by problems with the heart's electrical signals. The heart may beat too fast, too slowly, or irregularly. Some people may feel fluttering, pounding, or racing in the chest. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others may require medical treatment.

Who is Commonly Affected?

• Smokers or tobacco users
• People with excess alcohol or caffeine intake
• Those taking certain stimulant medicines or herbal supplements
• People with thyroid disorders
• Overweight individuals
• People with high blood sugar (diabetes)
• Those with sleep apnea

Causes / Why It Happens

• Older adults
• People with high blood pressure
• Individuals with heart disease or previous heart surgery
• People with thyroid disorders
• Individuals with sleep apnea
• People with diabetes or obesity
• Smokers and heavy alcohol users
• People taking certain medicines that affect heart rhythm

Common Symptoms

• Fluttering, pounding, or racing sensation in the chest
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath

Warning Signs

• Anxiety or uneasiness
• Excessive tiredness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Sweating
• Fainting or feeling like you may faint

Treatment Options Before the Procedure

• Blood tests
• ECG (Electrocardiogram)
• Chest X-ray
• Temporary discontinuation of certain medications
• Fasting for several hours before the procedure

Procedures for Arrhythmia

• Pacemaker — small device that keeps the heartbeat regular
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) — delivers shocks for dangerous fast rhythms
• Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) — special pacemaker for heart failure
• Heart Surgery — for underlying heart disease or arrhythmias not improving with medicines

Procedure Overview and Preparation

What is a Pacemaker and Why is it Used?

• A pacemaker is a small device placed under the skin in the chest to help the heart beat at a normal rate and rhythm
• It sends small electrical signals to the heart when the heartbeat becomes too slow or irregular
• This helps the heart pump blood properly and reduces symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or fainting

Before the Procedure

• Arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure
• Inform your healthcare team about your medicines and allergies
• Do not eat or drink for a few hours before the procedure, as advised
• Stop certain medicines only if your doctor advises you to do so

Step-by-Step

• A small tube (catheter) may be inserted through a blood vessel to place the pacemaker inside the heart
• In most cases, a small cut is made near the chest, and thin wires are guided through a vein to the heart using X-ray guidance
• Sometimes, surgery is needed to place the wires directly on the heart

Risks, Benefits and Hospital Stay

Risks and Complications

• Blood clots and stroke
• Heart failure
• Sudden cardiac arrest or death

Benefits and Expected Outcomes

• Helping maintain a safe heart rhythm
• Reducing symptoms such as dizziness and fainting
• Improving quality of life
• Supporting heart function in some heart failure patients

Duration of Hospital Stay

Usually 1 day.

Recovery, Lifestyle and Follow-up

Recovery and Aftercare

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks
• Do not raise the arm on the pacemaker side above shoulder level
• Avoid pressure or rubbing over the pacemaker area
• You may shower after a few days, as advised by your doctor

Lifestyle and Prevention

• Do not smoke
• Eat a healthy diet low in salt and unhealthy fats
• Exercise regularly as advised
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage stress effectively
• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
• Get adequate sleep
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake

Long-Term Care

• Carry a pacemaker identification card
• Inform your doctor about the pacemaker before medical procedures
• Keep follow-up appointments regularly
• Monitor for symptoms such as dizziness or palpitations

Myths vs Facts

Frequently Asked Questions