A pacemaker is a small electrical device placed under the
skin in your chest to treat some abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that can
cause your ticker to either beat too slowly or miss beats. There are some
pacemakers that can also help the chambers of your ticker beat in time. There
are different types of pacemaker and the doctor decides which type of pacemaker
is the most suitable for you that will depend on the reasons why you need to
have one. A pacemaker has a pulse generator and one or more electrode leads.
Different types of pacemaker include single
chamber pacemakers having one lead, dual
chamber pacemakers that have two leads and biventricular have three leads.
Need of a
Pacemaker:
An artificial pacemaker is required to be fitted if you have
a particular type of heart block, your ticker is beating too fast and cannot be
effectively controlled by medication and if you have heart failure (HF) which
may cause your ticker to pump out of sync. You can greatly improve your quality
of life with a pacemaker, for some people it can be lifesaving. Pacemakers are
very comfortable and reliable and are smaller than an average matchbox.
How are
Pacemakers Fitted and How do They Work?
A doctor fits a pacemaker under a local anesthetic with
sedation which makes the patient sleepy. Fitting a pacemaker typically takes
between one and two hours, but it can take longer if one is having other heart
surgery simultaneously.
Pacemakers do not give the ticker an electric shock, it sends
electrical impulses to stimulate your heart to contract and produce a
heartbeat. Some pacemakers send out impulse all the time but mostly they work
just when they are needed. The main job of this electrical device is to artificially
take over the role of your sinus node (our natural pacemaker located in the
upper right chamber of the ticker) if it isn’t working properly. The sinus node
sends an electrical impulse to make the ticker beat.
Recovery
after having a pacemaker is fitted:
Serious complications from pacemakers are very uncommon. You’ll
usually stay overnight in hospital after the pacemaker is fitted and your
pacemaker will be checked thoroughly before you leave. One may feel
tired for a few days after having the pacemaker fitted, but most people find
that they're able to get back to their normal lifestyle fairly quickly. Doctors
recommend not to drive a car for at least a week after the pacemaker is fitted.
It is very important for you and your loved ones to
understand why you’re having the device fitted and what the operation
involves. It’s as much important that you understand what to expect in hospital
before, during and after your operation during your recovery.
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