Biventricular Pacing

In the normal heart, the lower chambers (ventricles) pump at the same time and in sync with the heart’s upper chambers (atria).

When a person has heart failure, often the right and left ventricles do not pump together. And when the heart’s contractions become out of sync, the left ventricle is not able to pump enough blood to the body.

This eventually leads to an increase in heart failure symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dry cough, swelling in the ankles or legs, weight gain, increased urination, fatigue, or rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) when you exert yourself or when you lie down.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles and feet.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Reduced ability to exercise.
• Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm.

Causes

• cardiomyopathy, a disorder of the heart muscle that causes the heart to become weak.
• a congenital heart defect.
• a heart attack.
• heart valve disease.
• certain types of arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms.
• high blood pressure.
• emphysema, a disease of the lung.
• diabetes.

FAQ

not available currently