It is crucial for your heart to beat in rhythm for optimal health. Pacemakers and defibrillators both tackle heart rhythm issues; however, they do it in different ways. Stay with us till the end to learn how a pacemaker and defibrillator functions and which is better suited for you.
Pacemakers
A pacemaker can also be considered as a personal conductor. This small-sized implantable device is set under the chest skin so that it can constantly monitor your heartbeat. In case of an abnormally slow or irregular rhythm, it sends gentle electrical signals to nudge your heart back into a healthy rhythm.
This is particularly helpful in situations such as bradycardia (slow heart rate) or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Moreover, pacemakers can also be used if certain medications or procedures affect your heart’s regular rhythmic movement.
Defibrillators
Defibrillators are also referred to as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). They are your heart’s emergency response team. Although they are similar to pacemakers because of implantation under the skin, they produce action in a different manner.
Defibrillators are constantly monitoring your heart, specifically focusing on the lower chambers or the ventricles. If they fall into a dangerously fast or erratic rhythm, the condition is known as ventricular fibrillation, and that is where the action starts. The defibrillator delivers a targeted electric shock to reset your heart rhythm and save your life.
Pacemaker vs. Defibrillator
To help you understand better, we have detailed the differences between a pacemaker and a defibrillator:
- Function
A pacemaker provides frequent and ongoing heartbeat regulation by sending small electrical impulses to restore your normal heart rate and rhythm when it starts beating too slowly or irregularly.
On the other hand, a defibrillator sends a shock when your heart’s function is dangerously abnormal. They are more focused on preventing or stopping life-threatening arrhythmias by delivering low- or high-energy electric shocks. - Implantation
Pacemakers are small in size and positioned under the skin in the upper chest area. This place is suitable for managing slow or irregular heartbeats.
Defibrillators are slightly larger than pacemakers and need more space in the body since they have to be connected to the heart with leads. - Usage
Pacemakers are fit for those who have to combat slow heart rates and erratic heart rhythms or those undergoing heart procedures like ablation.
On the flip side, defibrillators are better for those patients who have heart conditions that cause abnormal activity in the ventricles, putting their lives at risk, or those who have had a heart attack. - Electrical Stimulation
A pacemaker delivers low-intensity electrical pulses in order to regulate the HR and rhythm.
Defibrillators are able to send both low and high-level electrical pulses to bring the heart back to normal in life-threatening situations.
Do You Need Both?
Well, the final call to implant a pacemaker, defibrillator, or even a combination device depends on your condition and what your cardiologist suggests. If your heart requires continuous monitoring and rhythm correction, and you are at a high risk of sudden cardiac arrest, they may recommend using both; otherwise, not.
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Closing Note
Pacemakers maintain the normal heart rate and rhythm regularly, while defibrillators restore heart rate during dangerous arrhythmias. If you need help or want to learn more about this, contact Dr. Rajesh Ramineni, a 5-star rated cardiologist in The Woodlands, certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the field of Echocardiography at Healthy Living Heart and Vein, to deal with your needs. You can consult us at (936) 978-0466 to schedule an appointment. Your health is our priority, and we are ready to assist you in every way possible.