Although survival is not increased, patients with the dual-chamber pacemakers experienced less atrial fibrillation, and they were less likely to experience milder forms of heart failure.
Pacemaker syndrome is marked by shortness of breath, fatigue and light-headedness.
It is caused by lack of synchronization between the upper and lower chambers of the heart as a result of pacing the ventricle alone. In sick sinus syndrome, the heart s sinus node which acts as the heart s natural pacemaker malfunctions and the heartbeat slows down, causing fainting or lightheadedness. Half of the 200,000 people who are given permanent pacemakers every year receive the device to correct the effects of sick sinus syndrome. Smaller than a pager, a pacemaker is implanted in the chest and has leads, or wires, connecting it to the heart. Single-chamber pacemakers have one lead, inserted into the heart s lower chambers, or ventricles.