When someone has a pacemaker implanted, it can help to regulate their heartbeat, so it is a major component of their health and physical condition moving forward. Most people trust that the pacemaker will work as intended, but it is important to know that these devices can and do malfunction, or you could receive a defective pacemaker.
These malfunctions can happen in a number of different ways. In some cases, batteries deplete over time, and the pacemaker stops working as intended. In other cases, the wires connecting it to the heart, known as leads, could become dislodged so that the electrical signals do not reach the heart. Pacemakers also need to be programmed correctly, so errors in the way that this programming is carried out could cause someone to have an abnormal heartbeat or related issues.
In still other cases, an infection could develop around a pacemaker or the implant site. Not only could this affect how well the pacemaker works, but the resulting infection could create the need for prompt medical care.
What symptoms should you look for?
If you are having issues with the pacemaker, you may experience symptoms like:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- Fainting
- Redness and swelling
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
It is important to take these symptoms seriously and to seek medical attention when necessary.
At the same time, if you believe that your issues were caused by a defective pacemaker, or that mistakes were made when installing the device, it is important for you to understand exactly what legal options you have.
