Pacemaker failure
Pacemaker Failure
Pacemaker failure (pronunciation: pace-maker fail-yure) is a medical condition that occurs when a pacemaker, a small device placed in the chest or abdomen to control abnormal heart rhythms, fails to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the device malfunctions or because the heart's natural pacemaker is not functioning properly.
Etymology
The term "pacemaker" comes from the Latin "pax", meaning "peace", and the Old English "macer", meaning "maker". The term "failure" comes from the Old French "faillir", meaning "to lack, miss, not succeed".
Causes
Pacemaker failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Battery depletion: The battery in the pacemaker may run out of power.
- Lead problems: The wires that connect the pacemaker to the heart may become dislodged or broken.
- Electronic issues: The pacemaker's electronic components may malfunction.
- Interference: Certain devices and environments can interfere with the pacemaker's function.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pacemaker failure may include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting spells
Treatment
Treatment for pacemaker failure typically involves replacing the faulty pacemaker with a new one. In some cases, the pacemaker's settings may need to be adjusted, or the leads may need to be repositioned or replaced.
Related Terms
- Arrhythmia: An irregular heartbeat.
- Bradycardia: A slower than normal heart rate.
- Tachycardia: A faster than normal heart rate.
- Cardiac Arrest: A sudden loss of heart function.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pacemaker failure
- Wikipedia's article - Pacemaker failure
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