The Impact of Defibrillators and Pacemakers on Heart Function

When considering the impact of defibrillators and pacemakers on a person's heart, it is important to understand how these devices can make the heart either better or worse. The answer to this question is nuanced, and the most accurate answer would be phrased as: 'Can they make the heart less bad?'

Improving Heart Rhythms

Defibrillators and pacemakers are designed to improve heart rhythms, which can be critical in certain situations. For instance, if a person is experiencing a heart rhythm that is either too slow, too fast, or has completely stopped, these devices can help by pacing the heart at a more appropriate rate. In the case of cardiac arrest or asystole (a stopped heart), a defibrillator's shock can be life-saving. If this occurs, it is crucial to immediately inform your cardiac team or seek emergency care through an EMT if you are not in the hospital.

Device Placement and Heart Function

On a general note, the heart function is unlikely to be improved to a better state than it was before the device was inserted. A pacemaker or a specialized pacemaker combined with a defibrillator (cardiac resynchronization therapy device) will aid in maintaining proper heart function, but they do not cure the underlying heart issues.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)

For some individuals, especially those with heart failure, poor pumping function, and poor coordination between the ventricles, a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device can be beneficial. CRT devices help improve the efficiency of the heart's pumping, increasing the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat and reducing the heart's size towards more normalized levels. This is a specific type of device that is not suitable for everyone, highlighting the importance of personalized medical advice.

What These Devices Do Not Do

It is essential to recognize that these devices do not address the underlying muscle condition of the heart. The pacemaker or the pacemaker component of dual devices can ensure the heart maintains a rate set by the cardiologist, but it cannot directly modify the condition of the heart muscle itself or correct conditions like heart failure. The defibrillator, on the other hand, is designed to stop rapid, uncoordinated heartbeats (fibrillation) that can be deadly.

Conclusion

If you or someone close to you are considering a defibrillator or pacemaker, consulting with your medical team is paramount. They can provide the best advice based on specific circumstances and needs. These devices can be life-saving and life-improving, but they do not make a bad heart into a good one. For detailed and customized advice, always seek guidance from your healthcare provider.