Early Signs That an Implanted Pacemaker Is Defective
Pacemakers are common medical devices used in people of all ages, from children to elderly adults. They are a useful and lifesaving tool used to regulate a heartbeat in someone whose own body is unable to do so. As with any device, there is required maintenance and properly suggested usage to extend the life of the product. Even still, there occasionally some products are defectively manufactured, which can be life-threatening.
Why Do People Use Pacemakers?
Pacemakers are extremely useful for a variety of reasons. The most common of these reasons are for arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and heart blocks (caused by a sudden disruption of the impulses to the heart, such as a heart attack). Other reasons your physician may prescribe a pacemaker are:
- Your heart is unable to set a correct pace due to heart disease or aging;
- Completion of atrial fibrillation procedure;
- You take medications such as beta blockers which may slow your heart rate too much;
- You suffer from symptoms of a slow heartbeat, such as frequent fainting spells; or
- Diagnosis of Long QT Syndrome.
What If It Is Defective?
Heart surgery is intimidating, especially if the doctor informs you of all of the potential risks that you agree to, including death. Once you survive the implantation of the pacemaker, it is a huge relief to have the procedure completed, and the additional blood pumping through your body may result in you feeling rejuvenated. However, devastation ensues for those who are the recipient of a defective device. Identifying early symptoms and immediately notifying your physician can be life-saving. Signs and symptoms include:
- Pulsation and fullness in the neck;
- Dizziness;
- Heart palpitations;
- Fatigue;
- Light-headedness;
- Syncope (fainting);
- Hypotension (low blood pressure); and
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate).
Many of these symptoms may be indications of a multitude of other illnesses. Therefore, if you are feeling unwell and you have a pacemaker, it is always a good option to be examined by your primary care physician. It is the responsibility of the pacemaker’s manufacturer to ensure that all of their products are in 100% working condition before distribution to patients. If you are the recipient of a bad device, you are entitled to compensation for your suffering.
If you are interested in discussing your experience with a qualified and proven Kane County defective products attorney, contact Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur, P.C., today. Call 630-907-0909 to schedule your free consultation. We have a long-standing record of winning cases such as these and would love to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Sources:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pace/whoneeds
http://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/know-the-facts/treatments/pacemakers
http://patient.info/doctor/pacemaker-syndrome-and-pacemaker-complications
