Keeping Your Pacemaker Strong

Monitoring your heart health plays a critical role in your overall wellness. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and effectively managing stress are all critical components of caring for your heart. However, some people still have heart issues despite their best efforts. One method of helping those with heart issues is inserting a pacemaker to regulate the heart’s rhythm, ensuring it does its job. As an assistive device, pacemakers require routine maintenance to ensure everything functions appropriately. Sometimes, it can be challenging to recognize signs that your pacemaker needs a tune-up. The cardiac specialists of Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center can make it easier to identify warning signs and help address issues you may be having with your pacemaker. Here are a few signs to look for that could mean that it’s time to pay us a visit for help with your pacemaker.

Abnormal Heartrate

It’s your pacemaker’s job to regulate your heartbeat, and one of the first signs you may have issues with your pacemaker is if you experience an irregular heartbeat. Those who have trouble with their pacemaker often say that their heart is beating much faster than usual, which can be frightening. However, there are some instances where patients notice that their hearts are beating more slowly than they should, which can also signal that something is wrong.

Twitching Muscles

Another sign that it’s time to get your pacemaker professionally examined is if you’ve noticed an uncontrollable twitching in your chest and abdomen muscles. This kind of twitching indicates that your pacemaker may malfunction, requiring immediate medical attention.

Unstoppable Hiccups

While the occasional battle with hiccups is a common experience for most people, it can be a sign of trouble for those who use a pacemaker. Hiccups can indicate a perforated lead, which means that a lead from the pacemaker ends up in an area of the chest where it isn’t supposed to be, which can be dangerous. If you’ve experienced hiccups that won’t stop, don’t take it lightly and seek attention.

Professional Examination

Most professionals recommend that patients have their pacemakers checked several times a year. During these times, your healthcare professional can ensure that your pacemaker produces a stable signal to help your heart function at its best. The team of the Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center can provide you with high-quality cardiac care that can help you feel your best and keep you healthy. For more on how our cardiac team can address your needs, please schedule an appointment at our Show Low office by calling us today at 928-537-4375.