When is pacemaker surgery performed?

Pacemaker surgery is performed to treat certain heart conditions that involve slow or irregular heartbeats, such as:

Bradycardia: This is a condition where the heart beats too slowly to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. Bradycardia can cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Severe bradycardia can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.

Sick sinus syndrome (SSS): This is a condition where the sinus node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart, does not work properly. SSS can cause episodes of slow heart rate (bradycardia) or fast heart rate (tachycardia).

Atrioventricular block (AV block): This is a condition where the electrical signals from the upper chambers (atria) of the heart are not properly conducted to the lower chambers (ventricles). AV block can cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and fainting spells. Severe AV block can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

Pacemakers may also be used to treat other heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, in certain cases.