Heart attack is among the most common and serious medical emergencies — you should immediately call 911 if you or anyone is having a heart attack. While signs of heart attack are now common knowledge, you might dismiss it as mere chest pain if you wear a pacemaker. Pacemakers may be a life-changing technology in regard to cardiovascular health, but they cannot stop heart contractions. Read this blog to learn the signs of a heart attack with a pacemaker, and keep an eye out for any danger.
Can You Have A Heart Attack With A Pacemaker?
Yes, you can have a heart attack with a pacemaker. It might be a good system to monitor and maintain heart health, but it cannot prevent a heart attack or any heart emergency from taking place. Pacemakers help improve the rhythm and rate of your heart by sending electrical pulses, which pump blood throughout your body in a more efficient manner. Still, it does not protect your heart against all dangers. You should remain alert of any possible factors that can lead to a heart attack to determine if you are having one. In most cases, plaque blocks arteries, leading to damage to muscles and tissues. This could result in serious symptoms that signify a heart attack.
Heart Emergency With a Pacemaker: What To Expect?
It is a common assumption that pacemakers stop a heart attack. They are useful devices, but they do not have the power to prevent heart contractions. As a matter of fact, pacemakers sometimes even affect the readings, often presenting heart attack as chest pain.
You cannot solely rely on the pacemaker to keep track of your heart. Hence, you should educate yourself about the possible signs of heart attack with a pacemaker and stay alert if you suspect anything. This way, you will know how to distinguish an actual heart attack from sore muscles, trapped gas, and other similar conditions.
Signs of Heart Attack With a Pacemaker
A heart attack is a distressing experience, which becomes worse with the severity. The resulting intense pain might extend to your upper body, but you may barely flinch if you’re having a mild heart attack.
It can be pretty challenging to detect a heart attack with a pacemaker, as the signs are slightly different than a normal heart attack. You should seek emergency medical attention right away if you suspect you are having a heart attack, with or without the pacemaker. Usually, signs of a heart attack with a pacemaker include:
- Chest pain
- Tightness in chest
- Pressure developing in the upper body
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Severe nausea
- Pain in the back or shoulders
- Irregular heartbeat
- Unexpected or sudden fatigue
- Cold sweats
What’s Next?
Signs of a heart attack with a pacemaker could be mistaken for chest pain, trapped guess, soreness in muscles, or any other condition. Therefore, it is important to learn the signs and contact your doctor for prompt treatment when you notice the indications. When it comes to your heart, do not overlook or dismiss any discomfort.
At Memorial Cardiology Associates, you can receive optimal care and treatment for any issues related to your heart. You can contact us at:
- Memorial City (713) 464-6006
- Katy West (281) 398-4944
- Greater Heights (713) 861-2424
- Bellville (713) 464-6006