Pacemakers and ICD

Cardiology, Cardiac Electrophysiologists, General Cardiology, Cardiology, Cardiologists & Cardiologist to Women's Health & Cardiology located in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Largo and Laurel, MD

Pacemakers and ICD services offered in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Largo and Laurel, MD

If your heart beats too fast or too slow, you may need a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to regulate it. At Capitol Cardiology Associates, the experienced cardiologists offer diagnostic evaluations to identify the cause of an irregular heartbeat. When medications and other strategies aren’t working, the providers may recommend an implantable pacemaker or ICD as part of your treatment plan to regulate your heartbeat. Call the office in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Silver Spring, Laurel, or Largo, Maryland, to learn more about the benefits of pacemakers and ICDs or book an appointment online today.

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Pacemakers and ICD Q & A

What are pacemakers and ICDs?

A pacemaker is a small device that produces electrical signals that regulate your heartbeat.

Your Capitol Cardiology Associates surgeon implants the pacemaker into your chest. The device runs on a battery and continuously monitors the electrical system of your heart, delivering currents of electricity when your heart isn’t beating properly on its own.

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is also a battery-powered device that tracks your heart rate. An ICD connects to your heart with thin wires. When the device detects abnormal heart activity, it delivers an electric shock to regulate your heartbeat.

Why would I need a pacemaker or an ICD?

You might be a candidate for a pacemaker if you have bradycardia, a heartbeat that’s too slow, or tachycardia, a heartbeat that’s too fast. These conditions can cause symptoms like dizziness and fainting. They can also lead to life-threatening heart failure or a sudden heart attack.

The providers at Capitol Cardiology Associates may recommend an ICD if you have:

Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rate)
Sudden cardiac arrest
History of heart attacks
A congenital heart condition that increases heart attack risk

To determine if you need a pacemaker or an ICD, the practice offers on-site cardiac testing to identify the cause of your irregular heartbeat.

If you’re a candidate for either device, your provider performs a minimally invasive implant surgery to attach lead wires to your heart that deliver the currents of electricity.

How do I care for a pacemaker or ICD?

Your Capitol Cardiology Associates provider schedules a follow-up visit about six weeks after your pacemaker or ICD implant surgery. They check your incisions and confirm the device is functioning properly. They also ensure the device’s battery is working.

In some cases, your provider adjusts the functions of the pacemaker or ICD to regulate your heart rate during your initial follow-up visit.

You need to schedule a pacemaker and ICD evaluation once a year. Pacemaker and ICD batteries typically last 4-8 years. When the battery life of your device is low, you need a minor surgery to replace it.

To find out if you’re a candidate for a pacemaker or ICD, call the Capitol Cardiology Associates office near you or book an appointment online today.