Pacemaker

Much like the tick of a clock, your heart needs a strong, steady beat. If its beat is irregular, too slow or to fast, your heart can’t do a good job of moving blood through the body.

For some people with heart rhythm problems, particularly when the heart is beating too slowly, a pacemaker can help. A pacemaker is a small battery-powered device that sends weak electrical impulses to help the heart set a regular, effective pace. Permanent pacemakers are implanted into the chest using minor surgery and local anesthesia. Your doctor will make a small incision in your chest wall just below your collarbone and then thread wires (leads) to the upper chest and into the heart.

If a pacemaker is right for you, your Mercy heart specialist will discuss all the options and issues. From diagnosis and treatment through recovery and follow-up care, we’ll be at your side every step of the way.