Conditions We Treat
Pacemakers, Defibrillators, and Device Clinic
Your Heart's Electrical System
Pacemakers, Defibrillators, and Device Clinic
When your heart’s electrical system isn’t working properly, a cardiac device can restore a healthy rhythm and protect you from life-threatening events. Richmond Heart and Vascular Associates offers the full range of pacemaker, defibrillator, and device clinic services for patients with heart rhythm disorders.
Understanding Your Condition
Types of Cardiac Devices
Pacemaker
A pacemaker is a small device implanted just under the skin near the collarbone. It monitors your heart rate continuously and sends small electrical signals to the heart when it detects that the rate has dropped too low or paused. Patients with bradycardia (a slow heart rate), heart block, or certain types of fainting spells are often candidates for a pacemaker.
ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator)
An ICD does everything a pacemaker does, and adds one critical capability: it can deliver a shock to reset the heart when it detects a dangerous, fast rhythm like ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. ICDs are recommended for patients who have survived a sudden cardiac arrest, those with a significantly weakened heart muscle, and others at elevated risk for a life-threatening arrhythmia.
CRT Device (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy)
A CRT device is a specialized pacemaker that coordinates the contractions of the left and right sides of the heart. In some patients with heart failure, the two lower chambers beat out of sync, reducing the heart's pumping efficiency. A CRT device corrects this timing problem so both sides contract together. It is most often recommended for patients with heart failure and a widened QRS complex on their electrocardiogram.
ILR (Implantable Loop Recorder)
An ILR is a thin monitoring device placed just beneath the skin of the chest. It records your heart's electrical activity continuously for up to three years and transmits data wirelessly for review. If you have had unexplained fainting, palpitations, or a suspected stroke with no clear cause, an ILR can capture an arrhythmia that would likely be missed by a standard heart monitor worn for just a few days.
Signs
When to See an Electrophysiologist
You may be referred to an electrophysiologist if you experience symptoms such as racing, pounding or fluttering heart, unexplained dizziness, fainting or chest discomfort, or if your heart is beating too fast or too slow. If you have a family history of arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest or genetic heart rhythm disorders you may also be referred to an electrophysiologist.
You may be referred to an electrophysiologist if you experience symptoms such as racing, pounding or fluttering heart, unexplained dizziness, fainting or chest discomfort, or if your heart is beating too fast or too slow. If you have a family history of arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest or genetic heart rhythm disorders you may also be referred to an electrophysiologist.
Heart Racing, Pounding or Fluttering
Fainting
Heart Beating Too Fast or Too Slow
Unexplained Dizziness
Chest Discomfort
Family History
What to Expect if You Need a Cardiac Device
Your care team will walk you through everything you need to know before your procedure date. Most patients are discharged from our on-site Ambulatory Surgery Center the same day and are back to their normal routine within a week. We are here to answer your questions at every step and will make sure you feel prepared and supported throughout your care.
Our Device Clinic
Cardiac devices require regular checkups as your health and device settings evolve over time. Our pacemaker defibrillator device clinic provides both scheduled in-office visits and remote monitoring so we can review your device data between appointments. Many routine checks happen wirelessly, without requiring an extra trip to the office.
Your care is coordinated across our electrophysiology and general cardiology teams, so everyone involved in your treatment shares the same information and stays aligned on your plan.
Why our patients choose us
Why Choose Richmond Heart and Vascular Associates
If you have been referred for a device evaluation or want to learn more about your options, our team is ready to help. Call Richmond Heart and Vascular Associates at 804.800.6600 to schedule an appointment with our electrophysiology team.
• Board-certified electrophysiologists with dedicated expertise in cardiac device implantation and arrhythmia management
- On-site Ambulatory Surgery Center designed for outpatient cardiac procedures, offering a convenient, specialized alternative to a large hospital setting
- Remote monitoring support that tracks your device data between office visits
- Three convenient locations serving Chesterfield, Mechanicsville and Hopewell