Cardiac implantable electronic devices: an overview for primary care
Archana Rao, Stuart Bennett
Abstract
Cardiac rhythm management (CRM) is the treatment of arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can cause a range of symptoms including palpitations, dizzy spells, blackouts, and sudden cardiac arrest. Contemporary management of arrhythmia may involve cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and catheter ablation.1 CIEDs are used to manage slow and fast heart rates, and in the treatment of selected patients with heart failure. Types of CIED include permanent pacemakers (PPMs), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) devices. CIEDs are usually implanted under the skin, with one to three leads threaded down a vein to connect to the heart.1 ### PPMs: types and what they do
Topics & Concepts
MedicinePalpitationsHeart RhythmImplantable cardioverter-defibrillatorCardiologyCardiac resynchronization therapyCatheter ablationSudden cardiac arrestHeart failureInternal medicineCardiac arrhythmiaMedical emergencyIntensive care medicineAtrial fibrillationEjection fractionCardiac pacing and defibrillation studiesCardiac Arrhythmias and TreatmentsCardiac Valve Diseases and Treatments