Heart Failure and the Biventricular Pacemaker
In this article
- What Is a Biventricular Pacemaker?
- Who Is a Candidate for a Biventricular Pacemaker?
- My Doctor Recommends Combination ICD and Pacemaker Therapy. Why?
- How Do I Prepare for the Biventricular Pacemaker Implant?
- What Happens During the Pacemaker Implantation?
- A Closer Look at What Happens During the Endocardial Approach
- What Happens After The Pacemaker Is Implanted?
- When Will I Be Able to Go Home After a Pacemaker Implant?
- How Do I Care for My Wound?
- When Can I Do Normal Activities After a Pacemaker Implantation?
- How Often Do I Need to Get the Pacemaker Checked?
- How Long Will My Pacemaker Last?
- How Will I Know if my Pacemaker Needs to Be Changed?
My Doctor Recommends Combination ICD and Pacemaker Therapy. Why?
People with heart failure who have poor ejection fractions (measurement that shows how well the heart pumps with each beat) are at risk for fast irregular heart rhythms -- some of which can be life-threatening -- called arrhythmias. Currently, doctors use an ICD to prevent these dangerous rhythms. The device works by detecting such a rhythm and shocking the heart back to normal.
These devices can combine biventricular pacing with anti-tachycardia (fast heart rate) pacing and internal defibrillators (ICDs) to deliver treatment as needed. Current studies are showing that resynchronization may even lessen the amount of arrhythmia that occurs, decreasing the times the ICD needs to shock the heart. These devices are helping heart failure patients live longer and improving their quality of life.
How Do I Prepare for the Biventricular Pacemaker Implant?
Ask your doctor what medications you are allowed to take before your pacemaker is implanted. Your doctor may ask you to stop certain drugs several days before your procedure. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor how you should adjust your diabetic medications.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure. If you must take medications, drink only small sips of water to help you swallow your pills.
When you come to the hospital, wear comfortable clothes. You will change into a hospital gown for the procedure. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.