A pacemaker is a medical device that helps regulate the heartbeat in people with heart conditions such as bradycardia, arrhythmia, or heart block. While pacemakers are generally safe and effective, emergencies can still happen.

Knowing how to respond to a pacemaker emergency can help save a life. Here are some common pacemaker emergencies and how to respond:.

Pacemaker Failure

Pacemaker failure can occur due to a variety of reasons such as battery failure, malfunctioning leads, or programming errors. When a pacemaker fails, it can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or extreme fatigue.

In severe cases, it can cause cardiac arrest.

If you suspect that a pacemaker has failed, call 911 immediately. In the meantime, provide basic life support such as CPR if necessary. The medical responders will evaluate the pacemaker and determine if it needs to be replaced or repaired.

Pacemaker Infection

A pacemaker infection can occur when bacteria enters the body through the surgical site or the bloodstream.

Symptoms of a pacemaker infection include fever, redness, and swelling at the site of the pacemaker implantation, and flu-like symptoms such as chills and fatigue.

If you suspect that a pacemaker infection has occurred, seek medical attention immediately. A course of antibiotics or surgery may be necessary to cure the infection, depending on the severity of the infection.

Pacemaker Lead Dislodgment

A pacemaker lead dislodgment can occur due to trauma, excessive coughing or sneezing, or a sudden movement of the upper body. Symptoms of a pacemaker lead dislodgment include increased heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

If you suspect that a pacemaker lead dislodgment has occurred, seek medical attention immediately. In the meantime, try to keep the patient calm and still to prevent further dislodgment.

The medical responders will evaluate the pacemaker lead and determine if it needs to be repositioned or replaced.

Pacemaker Battery Depletion

A pacemaker battery powers the device that regulates the heartbeat. Over time, the battery will need to be replaced. Symptoms of a pacemaker battery depletion include fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, and palpitations.

If you suspect that a pacemaker battery is depleted, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The medical responders will evaluate the pacemaker and determine if the battery needs to be replaced.

Pacemaker Malfunctioning Program

Pacemaker malfunctioning program can occur due to computer or software errors. Symptoms of a pacemaker malfunctioning program include irregular heartbeat, fainting, and palpitations.

If you suspect that a pacemaker malfunctioning program has occurred, seek medical attention immediately. The medical responders will evaluate the pacemaker and determine if it needs to be reprogrammed or replaced.

Pacemaker Overstimulation

A pacemaker overstimulation can occur when the device sends too many electrical impulses to the heart. Symptoms of a pacemaker overstimulation include palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

If you suspect that a pacemaker overstimulation has occurred, seek medical attention immediately. In the meantime, try to keep the patient calm and still to prevent further overstimulation.

The medical responders will evaluate the pacemaker and determine if it needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Pacemaker Interference

Pacemaker interference can occur when electronic devices such as MRI machines, cellphones, or metal detectors disrupt the normal functioning of a pacemaker.

Symptoms of pacemaker interference include irregular heartbeat, palpitations, and lightheadedness.

If you suspect that pacemaker interference has occurred, seek medical attention immediately. The medical responders will evaluate the pacemaker and determine if it needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Pacemaker Shock

A pacemaker shock can occur when the device delivers a sudden electrical shock to the heart. Symptoms of a pacemaker shock include chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations.

If you suspect that a pacemaker shock has occurred, seek medical attention immediately. In the meantime, provide basic life support such as CPR if necessary.

The medical responders will evaluate the pacemaker and determine if it needs to be adjusted or replaced.

Pacemaker Battery Drainage

A pacemaker battery drainage can occur when the device uses too much energy to regulate the heartbeat. Symptoms of a pacemaker battery drainage include fatigue, lightheadedness, and heart palpitations.

If you suspect that a pacemaker battery drainage has occurred, seek medical attention immediately. The medical responders will evaluate the pacemaker and determine if the battery needs to be replaced.

Pacemaker Lead Fracture

A pacemaker lead fracture can occur when the wires that connect the pacemaker to the heart become damaged. Symptoms of a pacemaker lead fracture include lightheadedness, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

If you suspect that a pacemaker lead fracture has occurred, seek medical attention immediately. The medical responders will evaluate the pacemaker and determine if the lead needs to be replaced.