A cardiac pacemaker is a little electric medical device roughly the size of a matchbox. It is implanted under your skin by a surgeon to help manage abnormal heartbeats, known as arrhythmias. Some types of cardiac failure can also be treated using pacemakers.
Typically, the electrical impulse that enables your heart to beat originates at the sinoatrial node (SA). This SA node is the natural pacemaker of your heart. Therefore, electrical signals created by the SA node move synchronously from the top to the bottom of the heart, resulting in a heartbeat.
In some circumstances, there are complications with this electrical signaling: either the heartbeat is too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregular heartbeat. And this is an arrhythmia. A cardiac pacemaker generates electrical impulses that increase your heartbeat at a regular rate, rhythm, or both. So, seek advice from the best cardiologist in Hyderabad to improve your heartbeat rate for a healthy heart.
What Is the Cardiac Pacemaker?
Cardiac Pacemakers are devices that can be implanted in your body, usually through surgery, to help your heart’s electrical system. They can help to settle irregular cardiac rhythms and prevent issues that could disrupt or threaten your life.
Types Of Cardiac Pacemakers
Depending on your situation, you may have one of the heart pacemakers listed below:
- Leadless pacemaker: A tiny pacemaker that is 90% smaller than a transvenous pacemaker will be inserted using a catheter-based process. This device is attached to the inner wall of your heart, which means it does now need to use any wires.
- Single chamber pacemaker: This type often transports electrical impulses to your heart’s right ventricle.
- Dual chamber pacemaker: This type sends electrical impulses to your heart’s right ventricle and right atrium to help manage the timing of contractions between the two chambers.
- Biventricular pacemaker: Biventricular pacing, commonly known as cardiac resynchronization treatment, treats persons with heart failure and irregular heartbeats. This pacemaker stimulates both bottom heart chambers to improve the efficiency of the heart.
How Does a Pacemaker Work?
A pacemaker mimics the natural electrical system of your heart which is made up of two parts:
Pulse generator: It is a compact metallic appliance with an electrical circuit and a battery. The pulse generator generates electrical impulses that control your heartbeat.
Electrodes (leads): These are insulated, and flexible wires implanted into your heart muscle by your doctor. You may require one to three of these leads, depending on your requirements. These leads deliver impulses from the generator to your heart muscle while also sensing electrical activity in your heart.
Signs and Symptoms That You Need a Pacemaker
The first step in assessing whether you have health problems that can be cured with a pacemaker surgery is to speak with your doctor about your worries or symptoms. Some of the symptoms you should report to your doctor include the following:
- Chest pain
- Tachycardia- is a rapid heartbeat (more than 100 beats per minute).
- Bradycardia- is a slow heartbeat
- Arrhythmia- irregular heartbeat
- Heart palpitations- when your heartbeat stops for a second
- Shortness of breath, particularly while exercising.
- Unknown cause of dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, or fainting
- Unfathomable perplexity
- Ankle, leg, and abdominal swelling
- Urinate several times during the night
If you experience any of these symptoms, Connect with the best cardiology hospital in Hyderabad for the most excellent treatment and speedy recovery.
Preparation For Cardiac Pacemaker Implantation
There could be numerous causes of irregular heartbeat. As a result, your doctor will run a few tests to determine the underlying cause of your issue. Among the tests are the following:
ECG (electrocardiogram)- A non-invasive treatment in which your doctor implants sensor pads connected by wires on your limbs or chest to detect your heart’s electrical impulses.
Echocardiogram – Another non-invasive treatment. It monitors the operation of your heart using sound waves.
Holter monitoring- A more compact version of an ECG. It aids in the detection of unexpected anomalies in your heart’s rhythm. Wear the monitoring device for a day and then resume your normal activities. In the meantime, the device will record all electrical movements of your heart.
Stress test – Some cardiac diseases only manifest themselves when you exercise. Therefore, your doctor will do an electrocardiogram before and after you exercise, such as riding an exercise bike or running on the treadmill.
Procedure For Cardiac Pacemaker Implantation
Before the procedure
A pacemaker procedure takes about two hours to complete. First, your doctor will wipe your chest with a sterilizing substance before the surgery. Then, using a local anesthetic, they will anesthetize the incision site.
During the procedure
- During the process, your doctor will put insulated wires (one or more) into a significant vein at or beneath your collarbone and guide them to the implantation site using X-ray imaging.
- Then, with the other end of the wire secured to the pulse generator, your doctor will ensure the terminal of each wire is to the proper spot in your heart.
After the procedure
- After your pacemaker surgery, you will most likely be admitted to the hospital for a day or two. Your doctor will tune/program your pacemaker to meet your pacing needs.
- Do not drive yourself home. For the same, contact a family member, friend, or driver.
- Your doctor can remotely monitor your pacemaker.
- For the next month or so, your doctor would most likely advise you to avoid heavy lifting and intense activity.
- Contact your doctor if you are experiencing pain or discomfort. Over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen will be advised.
- Have a smooth procedure and speedy recovery with the best heart specialist hospital in Hyderabad for your healthy heart.
Benefits Of Pacemaker
Pacemakers are intended to enhance your quality of life and prevent disruptions from heart conditions. Among the advantages are:
Many symptoms associated with heart rhythm issues, such as chest pain, disorientation, palpitations, nausea, and confusion, are alleviated.
Preventing unpleasant symptoms induced by arrhythmias, such as fainting
By keeping your heart from stopping
Complications And Risks
Pacemaker treatments usually have a few complications, which you should consider with your doctor. However, the following risks of pacemaker heart surgery are probable in general:
- Allergic reactions can occur due to a medication you have been given or because you are allergic to one of the substances used in the pacemaker.
- Blood clots: Your doctor may prescribe blood-thinning drugs to lower your chance of developing a blood clot.
- Malfunctions of the pacemaker or its leads: A pacemaker lead may be jolted out of position or break free in some instances. To avoid this, your healthcare practitioner will advise you to minimize your activities after surgery.
- Malfunctions caused by external sources: Your doctor will advise you on which gadgets or machinery to avoid pacemaker difficulties caused by external electrical interference. Fortunately, advances in pacemaker technology mean that these instances are rare.
- Unexpected heart rhythm difficulties: In rare cases, the pacemaker might induce incidental abnormalities. Your doctor can inform you about these dangers and assist you in avoiding them.
What Is the Lifespan of Pacemaker Batteries?
While it is dependent on the specific brand of pacemaker and how frequently it is required to help your heart. Your pacemaker’s battery will most likely last 5 to 15 years. Make an appointment every 3 to 6 months with your doctor for a regular checkup.
Final Words
Heart problems that require a pacemaker can make you feel agitated, apprehensive, or afraid. Your doctor can assist you in understanding your situation and suggest resources to help you with questions or concerns.
If you have a situation that affects your heartbeat and looking for pacemaker surgery, then consult the best hospital in Hyderabad for a cardiac pacemaker that can help for normal rate or rhythm in your heart.
