Your heart’s rhythm is controlled by electrical signals that tell it when to beat. If these signals slow down, become irregular, or are blocked, the heart may not pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. A pacemaker is a small device that helps correct these rhythm problems, allowing your heart to beat at a steady and healthy rate.
Epic Cardiology supports heart health across the Greater Los Angeles area, with clinics available in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood.
What Is a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a medical device implanted under the skin of the chest to help regulate your heartbeat. It has two main parts:
- Pulse generator – contains the battery and electronic circuits that create electrical impulses.
- Leads (wires) – carry the impulses from the generator to the heart muscle.
The pacemaker sends electrical signals to keep the heart beating at the right pace and rhythm. Some pacemakers work all the time, while others activate only when they detect a slow heartbeat.
Why Would My Provider Recommend This Device?
A pacemaker may be recommended if you have:
- Bradycardia – a heart rate that is too slow.
- Heart block – a delay or interruption in the heart’s electrical signals.
- Arrhythmias that cause dizziness, fatigue, or fainting spells.
- Certain heart conditions or surgeries that affect the heart’s electrical system.
- Heart rhythm issues after a heart attack.
Benefits of a Pacemaker
- Regulates Heart Rate – Ensures your heart beats at a safe and steady pace.
- Reduces Symptoms – Helps relieve dizziness, fatigue, and fainting episodes.
- Improves Quality of Life – Allows you to be more active and feel more energetic.
- Supports Recovery – Helps stabilize heart rhythm after surgery or other treatments.
- Remote Monitoring – Many pacemakers can send information directly to your provider for ongoing care.
How Should I Prepare?
Before your procedure:
- You may need blood tests or imaging to evaluate your heart.
- Your provider will give you instructions on eating, drinking, and adjusting medications.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Step 1: Preparation
- You will be given local anesthesia to numb the implant area, along with light sedation to help you relax.
- The skin over the upper chest is cleaned and prepared.
Step 2: Insertion
- The provider threads the leads through a vein and into the heart, using X-ray guidance to position them correctly.
- The pulse generator is placed under the skin, just below the collarbone.
Step 3: Testing and Programming
- The device is tested to ensure it is working properly.
- The pacemaker is programmed to meet your specific needs.
- The incision is closed with stitches or adhesive strips.
The procedure typically takes one to two hours, and most patients can go home the same day or the next morning.
Is It Safe?
Pacemaker implantation is considered a routine, low-risk procedure. Possible risks include infection, bleeding, or lead displacement, but these are uncommon. Your care team will review all safety measures and answer your questions before the procedure.
When Will I Get My Results?
The pacemaker begins working immediately. You will have follow-up appointments to check device settings, monitor battery life, and ensure your heart is responding well. Most pacemaker batteries last five to fifteen years, depending on the type.
Stay on Track with Reliable Heart Monitoring from Epic Cardiology
If you have symptoms of a slow or irregular heartbeat, a pacemaker can help restore your heart’s rhythm and improve your quality of life.
Serving the Greater Los Angeles area, Epic Cardiology has clinics in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how a pacemaker can help keep your heart beating strong.
Your heart’s rhythm is controlled by electrical signals that tell it when to beat. If these signals slow down, become irregular, or are blocked, the heart may not pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. A pacemaker is a small device that helps correct these rhythm problems, allowing your heart to beat at a steady and healthy rate.
Epic Cardiology supports heart health across the Greater Los Angeles area, with clinics available in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood.
What Is a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a medical device implanted under the skin of the chest to help regulate your heartbeat. It has two main parts:
- Pulse generator – contains the battery and electronic circuits that create electrical impulses.
- Leads (wires) – carry the impulses from the generator to the heart muscle.
The pacemaker sends electrical signals to keep the heart beating at the right pace and rhythm. Some pacemakers work all the time, while others activate only when they detect a slow heartbeat.
Why Would My Provider Recommend This Device?
A pacemaker may be recommended if you have:
- Bradycardia – a heart rate that is too slow.
- Heart block – a delay or interruption in the heart’s electrical signals.
- Arrhythmias that cause dizziness, fatigue, or fainting spells.
- Certain heart conditions or surgeries that affect the heart’s electrical system.
- Heart rhythm issues after a heart attack.
Benefits of a Pacemaker
- Regulates Heart Rate – Ensures your heart beats at a safe and steady pace.
- Reduces Symptoms – Helps relieve dizziness, fatigue, and fainting episodes.
- Improves Quality of Life – Allows you to be more active and feel more energetic.
- Supports Recovery – Helps stabilize heart rhythm after surgery or other treatments.
- Remote Monitoring – Many pacemakers can send information directly to your provider for ongoing care.
How Should I Prepare?
Before your procedure:
- You may need blood tests or imaging to evaluate your heart.
- Your provider will give you instructions on eating, drinking, and adjusting medications.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Step 1: Preparation
- You will be given local anesthesia to numb the implant area, along with light sedation to help you relax.
- The skin over the upper chest is cleaned and prepared.
Step 2: Insertion
- The provider threads the leads through a vein and into the heart, using X-ray guidance to position them correctly.
- The pulse generator is placed under the skin, just below the collarbone.
Step 3: Testing and Programming
- The device is tested to ensure it is working properly.
- The pacemaker is programmed to meet your specific needs.
- The incision is closed with stitches or adhesive strips.
The procedure typically takes one to two hours, and most patients can go home the same day or the next morning.
Is It Safe?
Pacemaker implantation is considered a routine, low-risk procedure. Possible risks include infection, bleeding, or lead displacement, but these are uncommon. Your care team will review all safety measures and answer your questions before the procedure.
When Will I Get My Results?
The pacemaker begins working immediately. You will have follow-up appointments to check device settings, monitor battery life, and ensure your heart is responding well. Most pacemaker batteries last five to fifteen years, depending on the type.
Stay on Track with Reliable Heart Monitoring from Epic Cardiology
If you have symptoms of a slow or irregular heartbeat, a pacemaker can help restore your heart’s rhythm and improve your quality of life.
Serving the Greater Los Angeles area, Epic Cardiology has clinics in Chino, Pomona, San Dimas, Sherman Oaks, Lynwood, and Inglewood. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how a pacemaker can help keep your heart beating strong.