My dad is 99 and will be 100 this year. His heart rate is slow, in the 54 to 40 range. It's been like that for several years. It was stated that he has bradycardia. Do you think he should have a pacemaker at his age? What are the risks? Thank you!
— Faye, California
Even though your father is nearly 100 years old, there is no specific reason why he shouldn't be able to get a pacemaker if he is otherwise healthy. A pacemaker can be a life-saving device in the event of heart failure, which is a risk for patients with slow heart rhythms (bradyarrythmias). Since your father has been diagnosed with bradycardia (a resting heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute), he could certainly be a candidate for a pacemaker, though it is not clear from your description whether his heart rate has been at that level for some time or if this is a more recent issue. Your father's doctor can determine, based on his overall health and his specific heart condition, whether a pacemaker would be right for him. It would, of course, also be important for your father to have a cardiologic workup before considering a pacemaker to make sure that his body is capable of handling the surgery required to insert the device. Generally speaking, the insertion of a pacemaker is a safe procedure, but since your father is nearly 100 years old there are some additional risks involved, as there would be with any type of surgery at that age. Should he choose to go through with getting a pacemaker, it is important that your father seek out a very skilled and knowledgeable cardiologist and team who can monitor his health throughout the process.
Learn more in the Everyday Health Heart Health Center.