If your heartbeat is too slow or irregular, an electronic pacemaker can help regulate your heart rate. When the pacemaker detects that your heart rate is too slow or irregular, it emits electrical impulses that trigger your heart to attain a more regular rhythm. Pacemakers are recommended for people if they have a slow heart rate that leads to symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.
Pacemakers are implanted during a simple surgical procedure performed by an electrophysiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart rhythm disorders.
Pacemaker surgery is considered very safe and complications are rare. However, risks of having a pacemaker implanted may include:
UR Medicine is considered a world leader in electrophysiology. In fact, our research has helped improve treatments for patients around the globe. We offer three fully-equipped electrophysiology labs for the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders, all staffed by experienced nurses and technicians who work exclusively with patients who have heart rhythm disorders. Our team implants thousands of pacemakers every year.