Pacemaker Implantation in Ahmedabad

Your heart has its own electrical system that tells it when to beat. If these signals become too slow or fail to reach the lower chambers reliably, a pacemaker can provide small electrical impulses to support the heartbeat.

It senses your heart’s activity and provides pacing when needed. It does not clear blocked arteries or prevent a heart attack.

Dr. Kulin Sheth performs single-chamber, dual-chamber and leadless pacemaker implantation. For conduction-system pacing, he assesses suitability and coordinates treatment with a specialist pacing colleague. He assesses patients at Sheth Heart Clinic in Bopal, Ahmedabad, and performs pacemaker procedures at Apollo CVHF Hospital, Bodakdev. A consultation can help clarify whether pacing is needed and which approach suits you.

Does a slow pulse always need a pacemaker?

“Pulse kam hai, toh pacemaker zaroori hai?”

Not necessarily. A single low reading, especially during sleep or in a physically active person, does not establish the need for an implant.

Pacing may be appropriate when a slow rhythm or pauses cause fainting, dizziness, unusual tiredness, breathlessness or difficulty with everyday activity. Some serious forms of heart block need treatment even without symptoms. Heart block means an electrical signal is delayed or interrupted; it is different from a blocked heart artery.

Assessment may include an ECG, rhythm monitoring and an echocardiogram, together with medication review and relevant blood tests. Medicines, electrolyte disturbances, thyroid problems and sleep apnoea can contribute to a slow heartbeat. Treating a reversible cause may avoid permanent pacing, although urgent support is sometimes needed meanwhile.

Do not stop heart medicines yourself. Decisions depend on the recorded rhythm, symptoms, cause and heart function, rather than one pulse cutoff. Our palpitations and arrhythmias page explains rhythm symptoms more broadly.

Temporary and permanent pacing

Temporary pacing supports the heart in hospital during an acute problem or while the team assesses recovery. It may use external chest pads or a temporary wire passed through a vein. It can also bridge a patient to permanent implantation.

Permanent pacing provides ongoing support when the electrical problem is unlikely to resolve or otherwise meets treatment criteria. A temporary pacemaker does not automatically mean a permanent one will follow.

Pacemaker options at a glance

Single- and dual-chamber describe which chambers are paced. Leadless describes the implant design. Conduction-system pacing describes where stimulation is delivered. These features can overlap.

Pacemaker care with Dr. Kulin Sheth: Dr. Kulin can review your reports, explain the options and coordinate your pacing care according to your rhythm, heart function and other health needs.

His-bundle and left bundle branch area pacing

These are forms of conduction-system pacing. A lead is positioned to stimulate the heart’s natural electrical pathways, aiming to preserve a more coordinated heartbeat. They may be considered when frequent ventricular pacing is expected or when heart function influences the choice of pacing technique. They are not necessary or technically suitable for everyone.

At Sheth Heart Clinic in Bopal, Ahmedabad, Dr. Kulin reviews your ECG, heart function and pacing needs. Where appropriate, he coordinates conduction-system pacing with specialist pacing support. A consultation can clarify whether this approach offers a useful benefit in your case.

Pacemaker, ICD, CRT-P or CRT-D?

These devices have different purposes, with some overlapping functions. The ICD and CRT page explains the decisions in more detail, including their role in selected patients with heart failure.

For a conventional pacemaker, the area near the collarbone is numbed with local anaesthesia. Sedation may also be used. Leads are guided through a vein into the heart, connected to a generator placed beneath the skin, and tested. This involves a small incision and usually does not require opening the chest. Leadless implantation uses a different catheter-based approach, usually through a groin vein.

Your team will give specific instructions about fasting, medicines and preparation. Mention blood thinners, diabetes medicines, allergies and any fever or infection. Do not change medicines without instructions. Our procedure preparation guidance can help you organise your questions.

Risks include bleeding or swelling around the device, infection, lead movement, lung injury and, less commonly, heart perforation or fluid around the heart. Risks differ with the implant approach and your health. Further treatment or another procedure may be necessary if a complication occurs.

“Pacemaker pachhi hu normal jivan jivi shakish?”

Many people return to walking, work, household tasks, exercise, intimacy and travel. A pacemaker does not mean giving up an active life. What you can do depends on recovery and any underlying heart condition.

Hospital stay varies. Before discharge, you should receive wound-care instructions, a device identification card and a follow-up plan. Gentle movement is generally encouraged, with individual advice about arm movement, lifting, driving, bathing and returning to exercise. Avoid pressure or injury over the implant. Do not assume the arm must remain immobile indefinitely.

Discuss physically demanding work, contact sports or exposure to strong electrical equipment with your treating team. The recovery and follow-up page covers broader recovery questions.

Will I feel it working or become dependent on it?

Most people do not feel the electrical impulses. Initial wound tenderness or awareness of the device under the skin is different from feeling it pace. Persistent twitching, hiccups or new discomfort should be checked.

Some people need pacing almost continuously; others need occasional support. Dependence reflects the underlying electrical problem and is assessed during device checks. It is not an addiction caused by having the implant. Continue prescribed medicines unless your doctor changes them.

iPhones, magnets, appliances and travel

“Mobile use kar sakta hoon? iPhone ke magnet se problem hogi?”

Phones can generally be used with precautions. Strong magnets, including those in some phones and MagSafe accessories, can temporarily change how a pacemaker operates when held too close.

• Keep phones and magnetic accessories at least 15 cm from the implant. Apple advises at least 30 cm when using a wireless charger.
• Use the ear opposite the implant. Do not carry the phone in a chest pocket over it or rest a phone, magnetic charger or earphone case on your chest.
• Follow your specific device manufacturer’s instructions. If you suspect interference, move the item away and contact your care team. Fainting or severe symptoms need urgent care.

Ordinary household appliances, including microwaves and computers, can generally be used normally when in good condition. Strong industrial magnets and welding equipment need specific advice.

Travel is often possible after recovery and medical clearance. Carry your device card, tell airport security about the implant, and avoid lingering at security gates. A handheld scanner should not be held over the implant unnecessarily.

Often, but it must be planned. MRI-conditional means the complete system can be scanned under specified conditions, with appropriate device checks, programming and monitoring. Some non-MRI-conditional systems can also be scanned at experienced centres after assessment. Show your device card and tell the imaging team before booking. Tell other treating doctors and dentists about the implant too.

Battery life varies with the device, settings and how much pacing is needed. Checks assess remaining battery life, lead function, settings and recorded rhythms. Feeling well does not replace these appointments. Remote monitoring may help where the device and follow-up service support it; it is not an emergency service.

For a conventional pacemaker, replacement usually means changing the sealed generator before the battery is exhausted. Existing leads are checked and may remain if functioning and compatible. Infection, lead damage or an upgrade can require a different plan. Leadless devices have their own end-of-service options.

Seek prompt assessment for increasing wound redness, warmth, swelling, pain, discharge, fever, an opening wound or visible device material. Recurrent dizziness or fainting also needs review. Collapse, persistent chest pain or severe breathlessness require emergency care, even with a pacemaker. Do not wait for a routine appointment or WhatsApp reply.

If you are stable and unsure why pacing is advised, Dr. Kulin can review your ECGs, monitoring reports, echocardiogram, medicines and any existing device records. He personally reviews available reports and images before deciding whether further assessment is needed.

The discussion can clarify urgency, reversible causes, device choice and expected benefit. Serious heart block or unstable symptoms should not wait for an elective second opinion.

References

• ACC/AHA/HRS guideline on bradycardia and cardiac conduction delay
• ESC guidelines on cardiac pacing and cardiac resynchronisation therapy
• ESC/EHRA consensus on indications for conduction-system pacing
• SCMR consensus on MRI in patients with implanted cardiac devices
• American Heart Association: living with a pacemaker
• American Heart Association: devices that may interfere with pacemakers
• Apple: potential interference with medical devices
• FDA: magnets in phones and smartwatches and implanted medical devices