Having a pacemaker inserted into your chest cavity is a very stressful time in life. It can happen to just about anyone no matter their age or level of health. It is scary because it means the device is needed to maintain the way your heart pumps. It’s quite possible that the pacemaker can fail, even if it is a newer model recently inserted. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for regarding your pacemaker.
Some of the most common warnings signs that your pacemaker might be failing include the following:
- Frequent hiccups that are difficult to control
- Fast or slow heart rate. Also a combination of both
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle twitching in abdomen or chest on a fairly constant basis
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of consciousness
- Fainting
It is rare for a pacemaker to fail completely, but it is still possible. For the most part, when a pacemaker begins to falter, This is because it needs to be reprogrammed. Some other reasons for a pacemaker to fail, or suffer issues, include the following:
- Lead in pacemaker is pulled from its position
- Failure of an electronic circuit
- Depletion of the battery
- Change in personal health condition that requires reprogramming of pacemaker
- Broken or loose wire located between your heart and the device
- High potassium found in your blood
- Interference from other electronic devices
Patients rely on medical devices to keep them in good health and alive. When these devices fail, patients can see their health deteriorate. Consult with an experienced defective medical devices attorney in Kingsport about your case.
Source: Hawkins Bingham & Miller, “An Overview Of Defective Medical Device Claims,” accessed Oct. 27, 2017