8 Symptoms That May Mean One Needs a Pacemaker - Guide By Expert

The ideal heart rate for an adult ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute, depending on the patient's age and health. Usually, the lower the resting pulse, the better it is. However, a heart rate that is too slow can cause complications. 

A slow heartbeat is the reason why one needs a pacemaker to speed up the heart beat and stimulate the heart pump more effectively. While pacemakers are not used to treat all heart diseases or irregular heartbeats, there are specific symptoms that can help determine whether someone requires one.

This blog has been drafted by taking insights from expert heart surgeon, Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. This blog talks about the signs and symptoms that warrant the need for a pacemaker. Read on for detailed insights.

What is a Pacemaker and What Role Does it Play?

With advancements in medical technology, expert heart specialists nowadays have a better understanding of how the heart works, which helps them design and create several treatment options to control an irregular heartbeat. As a result, cutting-edge pacemakers are used to treat arrhythmias and other illnesses that can enhance and improve the quality of life. A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted in the chest area to control the heartbeat.

During the pacemaker procedure, small wires are used into the heart, where their tips connect the heart muscle. The pacemaker unit is connected to the other ends. When the device detects an abnormality, it delivers electrical signals to the heart through the electrodes, restoring it to a normal rhythm. Pacemakers can be designed to activate during episodes of bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, or cardiac arrest, and they only work when necessary.

Following are the common signs that indicate the need to get a pacemaker:

1. One Gets Dizzy

Dizziness can be a sign of the heart not beating properly. This can be caused by low blood pressure, low sugar, and other health issues too.

2. One Feels Fatigue

If the heart does not beat effectively and does not pump blood through the body, one might feel tired or fatigued even if one rests for the whole day. Fatigue can indicate a feeling of sleeping for the entire day, and one does not have the energy to do anything.

3. One Experiences Pounding in their Chest

Some irregular rhythms are considered harmless. The pounding in the chest, though, can indicate an alarming irregular heartbeat that can be treated with a pacemaker.

4. One Faints But Doesn’t Know Why

Fainting can cause serious injuries, especially if one falls in a dangerous area, hits a car, or faints. This can be a result of the heart beating too slowly or irregularly.

5. One Feels Shortness of Breath or Difficulty in Breathing

Shortness of breath or difficulty in catching the breath can be a sign of serious medical conditions such as asthma or pneumonia. Breathing issues, however, can also be an indication of heart issues or irregular heartbeats. A sign that the heart isn't functioning as efficiently as it should be is if one experiences increasing shortness of breath when performing activities such as shopping, climbing stairs, or cleaning the house. 

However, shortness of breath should never be ignored, and one must seek the help of an expert heart doctor in Delhi, such as Dr. Sujay Shad, right away to diagnose the root cause and get the concern treated.

6. One Has Been Diagnosed With Bradycardia

It's not necessarily a sign of bradycardia if one occasionally takes the pulse and finds it slow, below 60 beats per minute. However, one could require a pacemaker to keep up a healthy heart rhythm if the doctor has performed testing and diagnosed bradycardia.

7. One Takes Medicines that Slows the Heartbeat

There are some medications, such as dig-ox-in, for heart diseases that slow down the heartbeat. The doctor could advise a pacemaker if they need higher doses of these medications, and there is a possibility that the heart rate will go slow.

8. One Has Chest Pain

Arrhythmias do not generally cause chest pain, but the chest pain could ideally be a sign of a heart attack or heart disease. Depending on the type of condition, it is likely to be treated with a pacemaker.

Conclusion

Ignoring heart symptoms can be life threatening. To inquire about heart related conditions or diseases and want to know more on heart surgery cost in Delhi, make an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad at the most famous heart hospital in Delhi, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, right away.

He is an expert heart doctor and is known for performing a wide range of heart procedures, such as HOCM, aortic dissection, mitral valve surgery, heart transplants, bypass surgery, etc., at the hospital.

Open Heart Surgery: All you want to know about what is open heart surgery and is it successful?

Any surgery performed on muscles, valves, or the arteries by cutting them open is called open heart surgery. One of the most common reasons to perform this surgery is to harden arteries when fatty material creates plaque in the valves. Open heart surgery is a surgery performed by heart specialists to repair a heart. Although it is considered a complicated surgery, open heart surgery is one of the most common surgeries done on adults.

To provide the readers with a better understanding of open heart surgery and its success rate, Dr. Sujay Shad, a renowned heart surgery doctor at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, has shared important insights about the same in this article. The expert heart specialist is known for performing the best open heart surgery in Delhi. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Open Heart Surgery?

Open heart surgery is a medical procedure where the heart specialist opens the chest to access the heart. It is performed to treat a range of heart conditions that can otherwise not be treated effectively with less invasive methods. During open heart surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia to ensure they do not feel pain throughout the procedure. The heart specialist makes an incision in the chest to assess the heart. The surgeon then performs the required repairs or procedures after opening the chest cavity, and the heart is temporarily stopped. Open heart surgery is a major surgical treatment that involves risks and necessitates careful preoperative evaluation and aftercare, despite the fact that it can be quite helpful in treating serious cardiac diseases. Recent developments in medical technology have led to the development of less invasive alternatives for some heart operations, which, in some circumstances, can eliminate the need for full open heart surgery.

When is Open Heart Surgery Required?

Patients would benefit from open heart surgery only for a few reasons:

Blocked Arteries: If stents or other less invasive treatments do not work, surgeons may choose a CABG to take the healthy vessels and create a passage for the blood to go through to bypass the blockage.

Leaky or Tight Valves: The heart valves act like a door to the heart muscles. Heart valve replacement can replace the valves that allow the blood to flow backward into the heart and lungs instead of to the rest of the body.

Advanced Heart Failure: Patients suffering from heart failure could benefit from different types of open heart surgeries such as heart valve replacement, CABG, ventricular assist devices (VAD) or impella, and even heart transplants from a donor.

Book an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad, a heart surgery doctor in India, to learn more about open heart surgeries. 

What Happens During Open Heart Surgery?

During open heart surgery, the heart surgeon makes a cut or an incision on the chest to assess the heart. The surgeon will then remove the blocked or damaged artery and replace it with a healthy one. During the surgery, the patient will be hooked up to a heart-lung machine. The machine will be responsible for supplying oxygenated blood to the body when the surgeon is operating on the heart.

Post-procedure, the surgeon will take the patient off the machine and check if the graft was successful. If the new artery is working fine to restore blood flow to the heart, the procedure will be considered successful. After a successful bypass, the incisions will be closed, and the patient will stay in intensive care until they show signs of recovery.

When Can One Undergo Open Heart Surgery?

The severity of the coronary artery disease indicates one needs open heart surgery. If the medications are not enough to treat blocked arteries, the cardiologist could recommend open heart surgery. This will allow the surgeon to bypass the blocked artery with a healthy one, and the blood will flow back to the heart, which will lead to an improved quality of life. The heart specialist will determine if one is an ideal candidate for open heart surgery based on the criteria given below:

Good Physical Condition: The heart specialist will evaluate one’s physical condition. A valve or artery in the heart that is no longer functional will be removed during open heart surgery, but this won't cure the heart problem. If one does not make healthy changes to their lifestyle after the surgery, there are chances that the artery will become blocked again. It's critical to commit to physical exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet. Such modifications will help one live longer and better after open heart surgery.

Postoperative Care: One must have someone around them who will take care of them after the operation. Postoperative care is vital in determining the success of open heart surgery. Recovery from the surgery could take a few days. During the recovery, one should avoid strenuous physical activities, as these could strain the chest, open the incisions, and lead to complications. Dr. Sujay Shad, a famous heart surgery doctor, will share post-operative tips with the patient after performing the open heart surgery. This will lead to smoother and quicker healing.

Smoking: The heart doctor will ask the patient to quit smoking and live a healthy lifestyle. Heart bypass patients can live for several years as long as they stop smoking.

What is the Open Heart Surgery Success Rate?

The success rate of open heart surgeries can vary depending on several factors, i.e., the patient's overall health and age, the specific condition being treated, the experience of the surgeon performing the surgery, and post-operative care. However, immense advancements in medical technology, surgical techniques, and post-operative care have improved the success rate of open heart surgeries over the years. Many heart surgeries are successfully performed, leading to improved heart function and increased quality of life. Some of the most common open heart surgeries include coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, and surgeries to treat congenital heart defects.

However, like any other surgical procedure, there could be some complications associated with open heart surgery. These include bleeding, infections, reactions to anesthesia, etc. The success of the surgery will also depend on the overall health of the patient undergoing the surgery and other health conditions such as BP, diabetes, obesity, etc. One should have a discussion with medical professionals to understand the risks and potential outcomes associated with open heart surgery.

To learn more about open heart surgery or any other heart surgery such as CABG, heart transplants, aortic surgery, etc., one can book an appointment with Dr. Sujay Shad, a heart specialist in Delhi, at the renowned Sir Ganga Ram Hospital today. 

When Heart Bypass Surgery is Recommended?

The most important role of the heart is to pump blood to all cells of the body, and the blood vessels offer a pathway for the blood to travel. The doctor might suggest heart bypass surgery if one or more arteries are damaged or partially obstructed.

In this blog, Dr. Sujay Shad, a famous heart doctor in Delhi, has given crucial information which is utilized to discuss what heart bypass surgery is and when it is recommended. Continue reading for more insights.

What is Heart Bypass Surgery?

A heart bypass surgery is performed to improve the blood circulation of the heart. During the surgery, a heart surgeon takes blood vessels from other areas of the body to bypass the blocked or damaged arteries. The risk of a heart attack and other heart-related issues decreases after this procedure. Usually, the procedure is carried out when coronary arteries become clogged or damaged.

Depending on how many arteries are blocked, the doctor may recommend the following:

• Single Bypass Surgery– One artery gets blocked
• Double Bypass Surgery– Two arteries get blocked
• Triple Bypass Surgery– Three arteries get blocked
• Quadruple Bypass Surgery – Four arteries get blocked

To learn more about bypass surgery, one can consider booking a consultation with the best heart surgeon in Delhi, i.e., Dr. Sujay Shad, at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

When Can One Consider Heart Bypass Surgery?

Heart bypass surgery, also known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, is advised in situations of severe coronary artery disease. The decision to recommend heart bypass surgery is based on several factors, including:

1. Severity of Coronary Artery Disease: A bypass surgery is recommended when there are major blockages or narrowing in coronary arteries, especially if these blockages are impeding blood flow to the heart muscles.

2. Symptoms: If a person with coronary artery disease experiences severe chest pain that is not controlled with medications, despite making lifestyle changes, this may require bypass surgery.

3. Failed Medical Treatment: If lifestyle changes and medications fail to manage the symptoms of coronary artery diseases, surgery would be advised.

4. Heart Function: If the heart’s pumping function is affected due to coronary artery disease, surgery may be recommended to improve blood flow and the overall functioning of the heart.

5. Location of Blockages: The location and complexity of the blockages could also play a major role. If the blockages are present in critical arteries or are difficult to treat using less invasive methods such as angioplasty or stenting, bypass surgery could be considered an effective option.

6. Number of Blockages: If there are multiple blockages that are difficult to treat with other interventions, bypass surgery could be recommended.

7. Overall Health of the Patient: The patient's general health and ability to undergo the surgery are important factors. Factors such as the presence of other medical conditions, age, and surgical risks are considered.

One must understand that heart bypass surgery is a major procedure, and the decision to undergo the surgery depends on the surgeon. The surgeon will thoroughly review the patient's medical history, test results, symptoms, and general health before deciding on the surgery.

Who is Not a Suitable Candidate for Heart Bypass Surgery?

One may not be a suitable candidate for heart bypass surgery if they have:

• Pre-existing conditions such as blood disease, heart valve diseases, etc.
• Severe physical disabilities, such as the inability to take care of themselves
• Diseases of other organs, such as the kidneys or lungs
• Advanced illnesses such as cancer, liver failure, or AIDS.

What Happens After a Bypass Surgery?

The patient will be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) to monitor the condition. They will still be breathing with the ventilator but could be experiencing some of the heart bypass surgery side effects. This will include pain while breathing, coughing, and at the incision site. These are normal and will become better in a few days. The vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, will be regularly monitored while the patient is in the ICU for one to two days. The patient will be shifted from the intensive care unit to a regular room once the condition is stable, and from there, they will be discharged in 3 to 5 days.

One can follow these tips for speeding up their recovery process:

• Do not drive for at least six to eight weeks.
• Avoid indulging in intense workouts. Instead, perform cardiac rehabilitation if the doctor has recommended it. Cardiac rehabilitation is a personalized workout program that teaches healthy living habits.
• Perform simple household work only when one recovers.
• Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol.

The duration of the bypass surgery depends on the patient's overall health and the type of bypass surgeries one has had. To learn about the bypass surgery cost in Delhi, one can book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad, a reputed heart specialist at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Besides heart bypass surgeries, he can also be consulted for other heart procedures such as heart transplants, aortic surgeries, heart valve surgery, aortic dissection, etc.

Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest: The Differences

Imagine if one is out for dinner and suddenly a person sitting next to them clutches their chest and falls from the chair, collapsing to the ground. While many people will say the person suffered a heart attack, others might believe it to be a cardiac arrest. It's common to use the terms "heart attack" and "cardiac arrest" interchangeably. However, in actuality, they are distinct, typically with different causes and requiring a different response.

This blog is drafted by taking insights from Dr. Sujay Shad, a leading heart surgery doctor in Delhi who practices at a multi-speciality hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. In this blog, he has shared key points about the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. Along with that, he has also discussed how to recognize each and what to do if someone in our family suffers from one.

Heart Attacks and Cardiac Arrest are Considered Different

A heart attack occurs if the artery (blood vessel) that supplies blood to the heart tissue becomes blocked. The heart typically continues to beat despite this, which results in a lack of oxygen, the death of cardiac cells, and symptoms like chest pain. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, refers to when the heart stops beating. Heart attacks can sometimes result in cardiac arrest, but there are numerous other reasons why this can happen. When the heart stops pumping the brain and other organs and tissues with blood and oxygen, this is called cardiac arrest. It could be caused by anything that can make the heart stop beating, i.e., some severe heart attacks. Cardiac arrest may also result from a heart attack. However, heart attacks are not the only reason for cardiac arrests.

Most Heart Attacks are Not Associated With a Cardiac Arrest

Although cardiac arrest may occur from a heart attack, most do not. The blockage that results in a heart attack might happen suddenly, but the narrowing of the heart's arteries that leads to the obstruction usually takes place over a longer period of time. High blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyle choices increase the risk of the narrowing of blood vessels. When people exert themselves, chest pain is caused by restricted blood flow, which worsens as the narrowing becomes severe. Individuals would experience chest pain if they exerted themselves, which occurs due to restricted blood flow.

Angina indicates blockages but does not involve active damage to the heart muscles. If the pain does not go away, it points towards a heart attack. To seek medical attention from a cardiologist, it would be best to consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in India.

What are the Signs of Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Following are the symptoms of a heart attack:

• Chest pain (angina)
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Nausea or indigestion
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

Following are the symptoms of a cardiac arrest:

• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Is Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest Both Medical Emergencies?

The fact that both cardiac arrests and heart attacks are life-threatening and need medical intervention is one thing they have in common. A heart attack is not like a stroke. Individuals who suffer from a heart attack should always have an ambulance to take them to the hospital instead of driving themselves.

For cardiac arrest, one must ensure that medical help is on the way as soon as possible. CPR, i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, should be immediately started and should not be delayed.

Summary

There are several differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. A heart attack occurs if the blood supply to part of the heart stops and causes a part of the heart muscle to die. A cardiac arrest, however, happens when the heart stops beating altogether. The signs of a heart attack can vary. The primary signs of a cardiac arrest, in contrast, are unconsciousness, absence of breathing, and no pulse. Finally, there are numerous different causes of cardiac arrest, whereas coronary heart disease is the main cause of heart attacks.

So, now that you have understood the differences between cardiac arrest and heart attack, if one seeks guidance on heart surgeries, one can book a consultation with Dr. Sujay Shad at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar. Over the years, he has performed several life-saving heart procedures, such as bypass surgeries, aortic surgery, HOCM, heart transplants, and many more. For more details, consult Dr. Sujay Shad, the best cardiac surgeon in Delhi, India today.