Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom associated with malfunction of an implanted cardiac pacemaker?

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom associated with malfunction of an implanted cardiac pacemaker?

• A. A rapid heart rate.
• B. Syncope or dizziness.
• C. Generalized weakness.
• D. Heart rate less than 60 beats/min

Answer: (A)

When a cardiac pacemaker isn’t working properly, the most common issue is inadequate pacing that leads to a slower heart rate or pauses in the heart’s rhythm. That drop in rate reduces the heart’s output, so people often feel lightheaded, dizzy, or even faint (syncope) and may notice general weakness from reduced blood flow to the brain and muscles. A heart rate that falls below 60 beats per minute is a direct reflection of insufficient pacing or pauses, making it a familiar sign of malfunction. Rapid heart rate, however, isn’t a typical sign of pacemaker malfunction. If the device isn’t pacing effectively, you’d expect bradycardia or pauses rather than tachycardia. A fast heart rate would more likely point to other factors or to specific, less common device issues like tachyarrhythmias or inappropriate sensing, not the usual failure mode of pacing.

When a cardiac pacemaker isn’t working properly, the most common issue is inadequate pacing that leads to a slower heart rate or pauses in the heart’s rhythm. That drop in rate reduces the heart’s output, so people often feel lightheaded, dizzy, or even faint (syncope) and may notice general weakness from reduced blood flow to the brain and muscles. A heart rate that falls below 60 beats per minute is a direct reflection of insufficient pacing or pauses, making it a familiar sign of malfunction.

Rapid heart rate, however, isn’t a typical sign of pacemaker malfunction. If the device isn’t pacing effectively, you’d expect bradycardia or pauses rather than tachycardia. A fast heart rate would more likely point to other factors or to specific, less common device issues like tachyarrhythmias or inappropriate sensing, not the usual failure mode of pacing.