Emerald Coast Heart & AFib
At Emerald Coast Heart & AFib, we specialize in cutting-edge heart rhythm management, including pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). These life-changing devices restore and protect your heart’s rhythm, allowing you to live confidently and actively.
If you or a loved one is considering a pacemaker or ICD, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—including how they work, who needs them, how they’re implanted, and what life looks like after getting one.
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that regulates the heartbeat by delivering electrical pulses to keep your heart beating at a normal rate and rhythm.
Why is this important? If your heart beats too slowly (bradycardia) or irregularly, it can cause fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or even heart failure. A pacemaker ensures your heart keeps a steady, healthy rhythm so you can stay active and feel your best.
Fun Fact: Pacemakers are smaller than a matchbox and last 8-15 years before needing a battery replacement!
Pacemakers come in different types, depending on which part of the heart needs support:
At Emerald Coast Heart & AFib, we match you with the best pacemaker for your specific needs using the latest advancements in cardiac technology!
Leading Pacemaker Manufacturers:
The top four pacemaker manufacturers trusted worldwide:
Abbott (formerly St. Jude Medical)
Boston Scientific
Medtronic
Biotronik
Who Needs a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is recommended for patients with:
A quick heart rhythm evaluation will determine if you’re a pacemaker candidate!
How is a Pacemaker Implanted?
A pacemaker implantation is a quick, outpatient procedure that typically takes less than an hour. Here’s what to expect:
Recovery Time? Most patients go home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days!
An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) is a small device that monitors your heart and automatically delivers a life-saving shock if a dangerous heart rhythm (ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation) occurs. Dr. Weisberg often describes them as “a pacemaker that has the ability to shock your heart if you suddenly have a life-threatening arrhythmia.”
Think of an ICD as a “guardian angel” for your heart—it constantly watches for life-threatening arrhythmias and responds within seconds to prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
Traditional ICD Placed under the skin, with leads (wires) that go into the heart.
Subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) Leadless—the wires stay outside the heart, reducing risks associated with traditional leads.
ICDs are recommended for people with:
History of Sudden Cardiac Arrest or Ventricular Tachycardia
Severely Reduced Heart Function (EF ≤ 35%)
Genetic Arrhythmia Syndromes (e.g., Long QT, Brugada Syndrome)
Your cardiac electrophysiologist will determine if an ICD is right for you!
Leading ICD Manufacturers:
The same top four companies also manufacture ICDs:
Abbott (formerly St. Jude Medical)
Boston Scientific
Medtronic
Biotronik
How is a ICD Implanted?
A ICD implantation is a quick, outpatient procedure that typically takes less than an hour. Here’s what to expect:
Recovery Time? Most patients go home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days!
What is it like living with a pacemaker or ICD?
Most people forget they even have one! Your device is constantly working in the background to keep your heart safe.
Are there any restrictions?
✅ No restrictions on using microwaves, smartphones, or laptops!
🚫 Avoid powerful magnets (like large industrial equipment or generators). Some pacemakers and ICDs are now MRI compatible.
🚫 No skydiving or SCUBA diving (above 8,000 feet or below 40 feet deep). Some exceptions are made.
Can I exercise with a pacemaker or ICD?
Absolutely! Low-impact activities are encouraged and can even be done at high intensities, but always check with your doctor.
Will I feel shocks from my ICD?
ICDs only activate for dangerous rhythms. A shock does hurt but it is usually saving your life!
How often does my device need to be checked?
✅ Regular remote monitoring
✅ In-office checks every 6-12 months
For patients with unexplained fainting, dizziness, palpitations, irregular heartbeats or suspected AFib, an Implantable Loop Recorder (ILR) can provide continuous heart monitoring for months to years, helping us diagnose hidden arrhythmias that standard tests might miss.
🔍 What is an Implantable Loop Recorder?
An ILR is a tiny, wireless device that continuously records your heart rhythm, storing important data whenever an abnormal event occurs. It allows us to detect conditions like AFib, bradycardia, and unexplained arrhythmias that could otherwise go undiagnosed.
🛠️ How is an ILR Implanted?
Fun Fact: Dr. Weisberg has had nurses get their ILR implanted on their lunch break and return to work right after! It’s that easy!
ILRs provide continuous heart monitoring for 3-5 years, depending on how frequently it records events. Once we have the answers we need, the device can be easily removed in the office.
Remote Monitoring: Heart Protection from Anywhere
At Emerald Coast Heart & AFib, we believe that the best care happens beyond the office visit—which is why we’ve partnered with Vector Remote Care to monitor our patients’ heart devices for alerts 365 days a year.
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that regulates the heartbeat by delivering electrical pulses to keep your heart beating at a normal rate and rhythm.
Why is this important? If your heart beats too slowly (bradycardia) or irregularly, it can cause fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or even heart failure. A pacemaker ensures your heart keeps a steady, healthy rhythm so you can stay active and feel your best.
Fun Fact: Pacemakers are smaller than a matchbox and last 8-15 years before needing a battery replacement!
Learn more about Vector Remote Care
At Emerald Coast Heart & AFib, we offer state-of-the-art pacemaker & ICD procedures with expert care and personalized treatment plans. Call us today to schedule your consultation! Let’s protect and restore your heart together.
