Ectopic pacemaker

Ectopic Pacemaker

An Ectopic Pacemaker is an abnormality in the heart's electrical system that causes the heart to beat at an irregular rhythm. This condition is often associated with heart diseases such as cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure.

Overview

An ectopic pacemaker or ectopic focus is an excitable group of cells that causes a premature heart beat outside the normally functioning SA node in the heart. The ectopic pacemaker can be within the atria, ventricles, or the AV node.

Causes

Ectopic pacemakers can be caused by various factors including heart disease, hypoxia, ischemia, or drug toxicity. They can also be caused by an electrolyte imbalance in the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an ectopic pacemaker can vary depending on the location and rate of the ectopic beats. They can range from no symptoms at all to palpitations, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or even cardiac arrest in severe cases.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an ectopic pacemaker is typically made through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which can identify the abnormal heart rhythm. Other diagnostic tests may include a Holter monitor, event monitor, or stress test.

Treatment

Treatment for an ectopic pacemaker depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. It may include medications, cardioversion, or in severe cases, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or pacemaker implantation.

See Also

• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Heart disease
• Electrocardiogram
• Pacemaker

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