Bengaluru, 30 March 2026: In a significant demonstration of timely clinical intervention and advanced cardiac care, doctors at Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road successfully treated a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder in a 91-year-old man by performing a permanent pacemaker implantation, highlighting the hospital’s expertise in managing complex cardiac conditions in elderly patients.
The patient was admitted with a serious electrical conduction disorder of the heart, a condition that can result in dizziness, fainting, falls, sudden cardiac arrest, and worsening heart failure, particularly in elderly individuals. While heart rhythm disorders requiring pacemaker implantation are commonly seen in patients between 56 and 88 years of age, such conditions are relatively uncommon in patients in their 90s, making this case clinically significant.
Upon admission, the patient underwent a comprehensive cardiac evaluation and was diagnosed with degenerative 2:1 atrioventricular (AV) block, a condition in which the electrical signals that control the heartbeat do not pass properly from the upper to the lower chambers of the heart. This results in an abnormally slow and unreliable heart rhythm. This condition is uncommon and mostly seen in very elderly people, where the heart’s electrical wiring slows down with age. If left untreated, it can lead to sudden fainting episodes or even cardiac arrest, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
Sharing details of the case, Dr. Jayaprakash Shenthar, Additional Director – Cardiology & Electrophysiology, Fortis Hospital Cunningham Road, said, “In this case, timely diagnosis and intervention were critical, considering the high risk associated with untreated AV block, especially in elderly patients. We implanted a double-chamber permanent pacemaker, with leads placed in both the upper and lower chambers of the heart to restore a coordinated and stable heart rhythm. The procedure, which lasted 22 minutes, was completed smoothly without any complications. The pacemaker was functioning effectively, the patient showed good clinical recovery, and he was discharged in stable condition within two days.”
Sharing his experience, the patient said, “I am grateful to the doctors and staff at Fortis Cunningham Road for their care and attention. The treatment was explained to me clearly, and I felt reassured throughout my stay.”
Speaking about the successful outcome, Mr. Praveen Wali, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, said, “This case reflects Fortis Cunningham Road’s commitment to delivering timely and advanced cardiac care, even in high-risk elderly patients. Successfully managing a complex heart rhythm disorder in a 91-year-old patient highlights our strong clinical protocols, multidisciplinary teamwork, and focus on patient safety. We remain dedicated to providing evidence-based and compassionate care across all age groups.”
