What is referred to as a cardiac pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted in the chest to help control the heartbeat. It is used to prevent the heart from beating too slowly. Implanting a pacemaker in the chest requires a small surgical procedure under local anesthesia


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The different types of pacemaker implantation:

Depending on the requirement, you might have one of the following types of pacemakers.

Indication for the need of pacemaker implantation:

  • A pacemaker is implanted to help control your heartbeat.
  • Your doctor may recommend a temporary pacemaker when you have a slow heartbeat (bradycardia) after a heart attack, surgery or medication overdose but your heartbeat is otherwise expected to recover.
  • A pacemaker may be implanted permanently to correct a chronic slow or irregular heartbeat or to help treat heart failure.

The heart's conduction system:

  • The heart is a muscular, fist-sized pump with four chambers, two on the left side and two on the right.
  • The upper chambers (right and left atria) and lower chambers (right and left ventricles) work with your heart’s electrical system to keep your heart beating at an appropriate rate, usually 60 to 100 beats a minute for adults at rest.
  • The heart’s electrical system controls the heartbeat, beginning in a group of cells at the top of the heart (sinus node) and spreading to the bottom, causing it to contract and pump blood.
  • Aging, heart muscle damage from a heart attack, some medications and certain genetic conditions can cause a slow heart rhythm.

An overview of pacemaker:

A pacemaker has two parts:
  • Pulse generator

This small metal container houses a battery and the electrical circuitry that controls the rate of electrical pulses sent to the heart.

  • Leads (electrodes)

One to three flexible, insulated wires are each placed in one or more chambers of the heart and deliver the electrical pulses to adjust the heart rate. However, some newer pacemakers don’t require leads. These devices, called leadless pacemakers, are implanted directly into the heart chamber.

Diagnostic procedures to determine the need of pacemaker:

Before the doctor decides if you need a pacemaker, you’ll have several tests done to find the cause of your irregular heartbeat.

01

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

This quick and painless test measures the electrical activity of the heart. Electrodes are placed on the chest and the arms and legs. Wires connect the electrodes to a machine which displays the ECG. An ECG can show if the heart is beating too fast, too slow or not at all.

02

Holter monitoring

A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that keeps track of the heart’s rhythm. Your doctor may want you to wear a Holter monitor for 1 to 3 days. During that time, the device records all of your heartbeats. Holter monitoring is especially useful in diagnosing heartbeat problems that occur at unpredictable times.

03

Echocardiogram

This noninvasive test uses sound waves to produce images of the heart’s size, structure and motion.

04

Stress test

Some heart problems occur only during exercise. For a stress test, an electrocardiogram is taken before and immediately after walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. Sometimes, a stress test is done along with echocardiography or nuclear imaging.

The procedure that is involved in pacemaker implantation:

Pacemaker implantations are usually done under local anesthesia to numb the area of the incision. During the pacemaker surgery,

The steps involved after the procedure:

Normal stay in the hospital is for a day after having a pacemaker implanted.

Your pacemaker will be programmed to fit your heart rhythm needs.

You should avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for about a month.

Avoid putting pressure on the area where the pacemaker was implanted.

Special precautions to follow after pacemaker implantation:

It’s unlikely that your pacemaker would stop working properly because of electrical interference. Still, you’ll need to take a few precautions:

Cellphones

It’s safe to talk on a cellphone, but keep your cellphone at least 6 inches (15 centimeters) away from your pacemaker. Don’t keep your phone in a shirt pocket. When talking on your phone, hold it to the ear opposite the side where your pacemaker is implanted.

Security systems

Passing through an airport metal detector won’t interfere with your pacemaker, although the metal in the pacemaker could sound the alarm. But avoid lingering near or leaning against a metal-detection system. To avoid potential problems, carry an ID card stating that you have a pacemaker.

Medical equipment

Make sure all your doctors and dentists know you have a pacemaker. Certain medical procedures, such as magnetic resonance imaging, CT scans, cancer radiation treatment, electrocautery to control bleeding during surgery, and shock wave lithotripsy to break up large kidney stones or gallstones could interfere with your pacemaker.

Power-generating equipment

Stand at least 2 feet (61 centimeters) from welding equipment, high-voltage transformers or motor-generator systems. If you work around such equipment, ask your doctor about arranging a test in your workplace to determine whether the equipment affects your pacemaker. Devices that are unlikely to interfere with your pacemaker include microwave ovens, televisions and remote controls, radios, toasters, electric blankets, electric shavers, and electric drills.

Following up after the pacemaker implantation:

  • Having a pacemaker should improve symptoms caused by a slow heartbeat such as fatigue, lightheadedness and fainting.
  • Because most of today’s pacemakers automatically adjust the heart rate to match the level of physical activity, they may allow you to resume a more active lifestyle.
  • The doctor usually checks the pacemaker every year.
  • The pacemaker’s battery normally lasts 10 to 13 years.
  • When the battery stops working, you’ll need to replace it.

FAQ

Questions ? Answered !

Pacemaker surgery is usually a minor procedure that takes between one and two hours to complete. There is no need for open-heart surgery because the pacemaker is put beneath the skin of the chest.

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