A pacemaker can be defined as an electrically charged medical device. It helps to treat two types of arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats such as tachycardia, a heartbeat that’s too fast, and bradycardia, a heartbeat that’s too slow. You can get a pacemaker implanted at a reputed Heart hospital in Hyderabad.
If we describe about a modern day pacemaker it has two parts such as the pulse generator which contains the battery and the electronics that control your heartbeat. While the other part is one or more leads to send electrical signals to your heart. These leads are basically small wires that run from the pulse generator to your heart.
Some of the patients might need a special type of pacemaker called a bivent. It may be needed if you have severe heart failure. This type of pacemaker makes the two sides of the heart beat in sync. This phenomena can be described as the Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT).
What is a Pacemaker and How Does it Work?
A pacemaker is a device that signals the heart to beat when the heartbeat is too slow or irregular. A pulse generator is basically a small size metal case. It contains electronic circuitry with a small computer and a battery that control or monitor the impulses sent to the heart.
The sinus node of your heart is your natural pacemaker. It is situated in the top right chamber of the heart. It sends an electrical impulse that enables your heart to beat. If you talk about, what is the function of pacemaker in heart? Well, it can be said that the job of a pacemaker is to artificially take over the role of your sinus node if it isn’t working properly.
Pacemaker sends the electrical impulses to stimulate your heart to contract and produce a heartbeat. Generally, most types of pacemakers work just when they are needed. However, some pacemakers send out impulses all the time. This is defined as the fixed rate. You need to note that the Pacemakers don’t give your heart an electrical shock.
How is Pacemaker Surgery Performed?
Implanting a pacemaker will take about one to two hours. For this procedure, you will receive a sedative to relax you and a local anesthetic to numb the incision site. To perform the surgery, your surgeon will make a small incision near your shoulder. They will insert a small wire through the incision into a vein close to your collarbone. Thereafter, the surgeon will lead the wire through your vein to your heart. An X-ray machine will be used to guide your surgeon through the entire process of the surgery. Using the wire, your surgeon will attach an electrode to the right ventricle of your heart. The ventricle is known as the lower chamber of the heart. While the other end attaches to a pulse generator which contains the battery and electrical circuits. Your surgeon will precisely implant the generator under your skin near your collarbone. In the case of biventricular pacemaker, your surgeon will attach a second lead to your heart’s right atrium. And, a third lead will be attached to the left ventricle. Towards the end of the surgery, your surgeon will close your incision with stitches.
How Long Does a Pacemaker Last?
The Pacemaker may last from 5 to 15 years depending on how often the patients need them. After the pacemaker is fitted, you will be asked to stay overnight in hospital. Your pacemaker will be checked systematically before you leave. Severe complications from pacemakers are very rare. During the recovery procedure, bad foods for the heart need to be avoided.
It is quite normal to feel tired for a few days after having your pacemaker fitted. Although most people find that they are not able to get back to their normal lifestyle fairly quickly. It depends from one to another person. You will not be allowed to drive a car for about a week after your pacemaker is fitted.
Summing up:-
From the above discussion, you must be quite clear about, what is the Pacemaker of the heart? It is a great discovery in the field of medical science to help those who are suffering from heart problems.
If you are suffering from any heart problem or have had issues such as silent heart attack, you must get in touch with a well-known cardiologist.
