Neuro Sciences
Gastro Sciences
Kidney Diseases
Orthopedics
Transplantation
ENT and Head-Neck Surgery
Advanced Trauma Center
Cardiology
Interventional Pulmonology
Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant(BMT)
Anesthesia
Critical Care Excellence, Comprehensive Intensive Care Services in Bangalore
Dental Surgery and Oral Implants
Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Endocrinology and Diabetology
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Family Medicine
Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery
Internal Medicine
Microbiology
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Oncology
Ophthalmology
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Pathology and Laboratory
When most people hear “heart device”, they picture a pacemaker. It remains one of cardiology’s great success stories, but it is no longer the only option. Today, heart rhythm devices are smaller, smarter, and more tailored to the individual than they were a generation ago. If you or someone you love has an irregular heartbeat, knowing which heart rhythm devices are available can help you have a better conversation with your doctor.
How the heart’s electrical system works
Your heart beats because of tiny electrical signals that travel through it in an organised path. When that signal is too slow, too fast, or disorganised, it can cause an arrhythmia. Symptoms include palpitations, dizziness, fainting, unusual tiredness or shortness of breath. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others raise the risk of stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest, so a proper evaluation matters.Leadless pacemakers
A traditional pacemaker has a generator implanted under the skin near the collarbone, with thin wires (leads) running to the heart. A leadless pacemaker is a small, self-contained device inserted through a vein, usually via the groin, and positioned inside the heart. Because it doesn’t require a chest pocket or conventional transvenous leads, it avoids complications associated with those components. However, its suitability depends on the patient’s pacing needs and the device’s capabilities. Current leadless pacemakers suit certain pacing needs better than others, so your cardiologist will determine whether you are a suitable candidate.Conduction system pacing
Conventional pacing often stimulates the lower chambers from one spot, which can make the heart contract unevenly. Conduction system pacing places the lead to use the heart’s natural wiring, such as the His bundle or the left bundle branch area. This approach can preserve more physiological electrical activation and may be particularly useful for selected patients expected to require substantial ventricular pacing.Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)
A pacemaker treats a heartbeat that is too slow. An ICD is designed for dangerous, fast rhythms that start in the lower chambers. It monitors the heart continuously and can deliver rapid pacing or an electrical shock when it detects a dangerous heart rhythm. A subcutaneous ICD helps protect people at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. This device is implanted under the skin on the chest, with the electrode placed beneath the breastbone rather than in the heart. It is ideal for young people and those at higher risk of infection, but it does not support pacing a slow heartbeat long term.Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
In some people with heart failure, the lower chambers no longer contract in step. CRT devices pace both sides so they work together more efficiently. In the right patients, this can improve symptoms, exercise capacity and quality of life. Some CRT devices also include defibrillator function.Implantable loop recorders
Sometimes the challenge is finding the rhythm problem, not treating it. An implantable loop recorder is a small monitor placed under the chest skin, usually under local anaesthesia. It can record rhythm for up to a few years, making it useful for unexplained fainting, infrequent palpitations, or a stroke with no clear cause.Wearables and remote monitoring
Many smartwatches can flag a possible irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation. This can prompt you to see a doctor, but it is not a diagnosis, and a normal reading does not rule out a problem. For people with implanted heart rhythm devices, remote monitoring lets the care team review device data from home, which helps catch problems early.Stroke protection in atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation raises stroke risk, and blood thinners are commonly used to reduce it. For some patients who cannot take blood thinners long-term, a left atrial appendage closure device may be an option. It does not correct the heart rhythm or eliminate every cause of stroke.Living well with a device
Battery life often lasts many years, depending on the device type and how much it is used. Many modern heart rhythm devices are MRI-conditional, meaning you can undergo an MRI under specific safety conditions. Always tell your healthcare team about your implanted device before an MRI. Regular follow-ups, in person or remote, keep the device working as intended. Your doctor will advise on driving, exercise and activity after implantation.When to see a specialist
Watch for symptoms that could point to a heart rhythm problem. Consult your doctor if you have:- Loss of consciousness or frequent dizziness
- Rapid or pounding heartbeat
- Unexplained chest pain
