There are two primary heart treatments: pacemakers and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT). Both devices deal with heart rhythm disorders but differ in function. This blog explains the differences between pacemakers and CRT, their uses, and how they improve heart function—specifically for individuals seeking pacemakers in Ahmedabad and CRT services in Ahmedabad.
What is a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small device implanted in the chest to control the heart rhythm mainly for the treatment of bradycardia where the heart beats too slowly. It is generally diagnosed by a cardio specialist doctor or the best cardiologist in Ahmedabad, who mostly specializes in treating heart rhythm issues.
Parts of a Pacemaker:
- Pulse generator: It is the battery-powered unit that causes the electrical impulses.
- Leads: Wires carrying electrical impulses to the heart muscle
- Electrodes: Inner conduits carry electrical impulses to the heart to regulate its beat
How Does a Pacemaker Work?
The pacemaker continuously monitors the heart’s function. Once it finds a situation of slow beating in a heart, it transmits small electrical impulses to the heart muscle and makes it beat normally. Thus, a pacemaker in Ahmedabad assists people to go through a steady-beating heartbeat, and therefore, enhances the quality of life.
Uses of Pacemaker
- Bradycardia
- Heart block
What is Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)?
CRT, in simpler words, is what is known as biventricular pacing. It involves treating heart failure by syncing the ventricles of the lower chambers to more effective contraction for improved blood flow. Most patients who present themselves for CRT services in Ahmedabad find relief when drugs are not able to treat the same.
Body parts of a CRT Device:
- Pulse generator
- Leads: Three leads going to the right atrium, one to the right ventricle, and one to the left ventricle.
- Electrodes: Give electrical impulses to the ventricles so that their contractions can occur together.
How Does CRT Work?
CRT makes it easy for the heart to pump blood by getting both ventricles to beat in sync. For the patients who suffer from heart failure, this may reduce the symptoms as the patient would not feel tired, or breathe short, and thus gives great relief to the patients who choose CRT service in Ahmedabad.
CRT should be taken into consideration in the following patients:
- Heart failure patients
- Patients with low ejection fraction (LVEF)
- People with a bundle branch block, where electrical impulses inside the heart are slowed.
Pacemaker vs. CRT-P
Although both are used for controlling heartbeat abnormalities, they differ by function as well as purpose:
1. Purpose of Use:
- A pacemaker is used for the treatment of slow heart rate, which can be due to bradycardia.
- CRT-P is employed for heart failure by improving the synchronized contractions of the ventricles.
2. Number of Leads
- Both, one and two leads are employed in the case of the pacemaker
- Three leads are used in the case of CRT devices to create synchronized contractions of the heart
3. Treatable Conditions
- Pacemakers are for bradycardia and heart block.
- CRT is for heart failure patients whose hearts do not beat simultaneously.
4. Functionality:
- The pacemaker corrects slow heart rate by conveying impulses when needed.
- CRT coordinates the ventricles to pump in a more efficient manner, thus functionally improving output concerning the heart.
When is a Pacemaker Recommended?
For people experiencing slow heart rhythms caused by bradycardia or heart block, there is a suggestion for the use of pacemakers. Symptoms may include dizziness, tiredness, shortness of breath, or even fainting. A pacemaker implantation would alter the patient’s life considerably due to the problems felt. Any patient who needs pacemaker implantation should seek a consultation with a cardio specialist doctor to assess the condition of the heart.
When is CRT Recommended?
CRT is recommended for patients with heart failure under uncoordinated heartbeats. It is extremely beneficial when drugs are unable to work independently. When a patient needs CRT service in Ahmedabad, CRT can significantly increase efficiency and quality of life by coordinating the heart’s functioning better.
Types of Devices
Pacemakers:
- single lead pacemakers
- two leads pacemakers for proper coordination
CRT Devices:
- CRT-P (Pacing): It focuses on coordinating pumps of the heart.
- CRT-D (Defibrillator): Combining CRT with a defibrillator in case the patient suffers from sudden cardiac arrest.
Pacemaker or CRT?
The choice to opt for either a pacemaker or CRT largely lies in the condition. If the condition is that of a slow heart rhythm caused due to bradycardia or heart block, then a pacemaker will be a better option. However, in case of heart failure where there are uncoordinated ventricular contractions, then CRT could be the prescribed treatment.
For those in the area undergoing treatment, it would be best to head to the best cardiologist in Ahmedabad if the most appropriate method is through pacemaker implantation or CRT service in Ahmedabad.
Considerations in Pacemaker:
- Less Invasive
- Suitable for Brady Arrhythmia and Heart block cases
- Fewer leads and easy implantation
Considerations in CRT
- For heart failure cases
- Requires more follow-up and adjustment hence often considered invasive
- A procedure that can make the quality of life of a patient better in a way that it could also help in proper functionality of the heart.
Conclusion
Both pacemakers and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) devices play vital roles in treating heart conditions, but they serve different purposes. Pacemakers help regulate slow heart rhythms, while CRT improves the overall efficiency of the heart by synchronizing the ventricles. Understanding these differences can help patients and doctors decide on the best treatment plan.
Whether you require a pacemaker in Ahmedabad or CRT service in Ahmedabad, both devices can improve your quality of life by ensuring your heart functions efficiently. For those seeking expert advice, consulting a cardio specialist doctor like Dr. Jignesh Patel, who is known as one of the best cardiologists in Ahmedabad, can help you determine the most appropriate treatment option based on your heart condition. His extensive experience in pacemaker implantation and CRT services ensures that patients receive top-tier care.
