Could a Secret Heart Rhythm Device Infection Be Causing Your Illness?
Pacemaker-Related Infections: Understanding the Symptoms and Risks
Pacemakers, devices that help regulate heartbeat, are a common medical intervention for those with irregular heart rhythms. However, like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, particularly the development of a pacemaker-related infection.
These infections, a type of bacterial endocarditis, can affect the lining of the heart valves and may go unidentified for many months. It's essential to watch the pacemaker site carefully and perform regular checks each month, contacting the doctor if any changes occur.
Most infections start at the incision site or where the leads connect to the heart. Symptoms of a pacemaker-related infection may include fever, chills, localized redness, swelling, nausea, pain at the implant site, drainage from a sore near the implant site, erosion of the pacemaker through the skin, and general malaise or feeling unwell.
While regular check-ups with a doctor can help reduce the risk of infection and catch problems early, some patients are at a higher risk. These include those who have kidney disease and are on dialysis, face heart failure due to advanced heart disease, and those who have their first pacemaker surgery at an early age and face repeated replacement surgeries.
Not everyone is a candidate for the newer leadless pacemakers, which have no leads. However, they may be an option in some situations instead of a replacement surgery. Using a new antibiotic envelope during the surgery can also reduce the risk of infection by about half.
If an infection is detected, the physician will remove all the leads and any infected tissue, and may prescribe a regimen of antibiotics. The only treatment option for a pacemaker-related infection is removal and replacement surgery.
It's important to remember that while the risk of infection is slight, it's not zero. Regular checks and vigilance can help ensure that any issues are caught early and treated effectively. If you have any concerns about your pacemaker or its potential risks, speak to your healthcare provider.
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