Treatment Overview
Some people who have atrial fibrillation need a pacemaker. The pacemaker does not treat atrial fibrillation itself. The pacemaker is used to treat a slow heart rate (bradycardia) that happens in some people who have atrial fibrillation. There are two basic types of pacemakers.
Will a pacemaker help irregular heartbeat?
A pacemaker is sometimes used to correct slow or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias. These arrhythmias may cause you to feel light-headed, breathless or even experience black-outs. If your heart rate is too slow, the pacemaker will send an electrical signal to the heart muscle to start a heartbeat.
What are the signs of needing a pacemaker?
How to tell if you need a pacemaker
- Frequent fainting.
- Inexplicable fatigue (you get enough sleep and stay healthy, yet always feel tired)
- Inability to exercise, even lightly, without getting very winded.
- Frequent dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Heart palpitations or sudden, intense pounding in your chest (without exercise)
