Don’t fall prey to the myth that a pacemaker can shield you from heart attacks! These incredible devices work wonders by keeping your heart rhythm in check and maintaining a steady flow; however, they do not grant invincibility. So, keep an eye out for the telltale signs of a heart attack with a pacemaker inside you.
How Can You Have a Heart Attack with a Pacemaker?
Despite their excellent monitoring capabilities and ability to enhance heart rhythm, pacemakers are not foolproof. It is unfortunate, but yes, even a pacemaker inside, nothing can guarantee immunity from heart attacks.
They cannot halt heart contractions or prevent heart attacks, particularly in cases where silent heart attacks occur. Just like the name suggests, silent heart attacks happen without noticeable symptoms, making them challenging, almost impossible to detect.
Understanding Heart Attacks and Pacemakers
To understand the role or relationship of pacemakers to heart attacks, let’s discuss how these cardiac events occur.
Plaque buildup blocks arteries, causing damage to heart muscles and tissues. This damage triggers multiple symptoms that indicate a heart attack is underway. While pacemakers provide work as valuable information centers about heart function, they cannot shield them against attacks.
Recognizing Signs of a Heart Attack with a Pacemaker:
Understanding symptoms can be more challenging for people with pacemakers. However, it is crucial to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if you suspect one. Here are the telltale signs to watch out for:
- Chest pain or tightness in the ribs area – This can range from intense pain throughout the upper body to nagging discomfort in the chest region.
- Sudden pressure in the upper body – It feels like a sensation of pressure, heaviness, or squeezing in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw.
- Shortness of breath – During an attack, you may feel like it gets difficult to breathe, or you find yourself gasping for air.
- Swelling or Fluid Retention – Swelling due to fluid buildup around the ankles or feet is often a common indicator.
- Dizziness – Lightheadedness or unsteadiness, as if the room is spinning.
- Extreme nausea – Having persistent and severe nausea or urge to vomit.
- Back or shoulder pain – Unusual pain or discomfort in your back or shoulders that is not associated with any specific injury or strain.
- Irregular heartbeat – Feel your heart beating irregularly or in a way that feels different from your usual rhythm.
- Cold sweats – Sudden, unexplained cold sweats unrelated to physical exertion or high temperatures.
- Sudden fatigue – Unexplained exhaustion that seems to come on suddenly and lasts for an extended period.
Closing Note
You can contact Epic Heart and Vascular Center heart specialists for more information on the pacemaker and the signs showing it has failed. We are located at 17070 Red Oak Dr # 405, Houston, TX 77090. Call Houston at (832) 432-1951 or Willowbrook: at (832) 952-1951 for your troubles. We are here to help you for a long and healthy life.