What is a pacemaker?
A slow heart rhythm, or bradycardia, can be treated with a permanent pacemaker. This sophisticated device is only about the size of a silver dollar coin and is implanted beneath the skin in the upper chest. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. The pacemaker lies dormant as long as the heart is beating normally. However, if the heart should beat inappropriately slowly, the pacemaker “kicks in” and paces the heart.
A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted in the upper chest region for prevention of an abnormally slow heartbeat. A slow heartbeat develops when the heart’s natural pacemaker slows down with age or when the heart’s natural electrical conducting fibers wear out. Patients requiring pacemaker implantation often complain of dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue and/or fainting associated with a slow pulse.
A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted in the upper chest region for prevention of an abnormally slow heart beat. A slow heart beat develops when the hearts natural pacemaker slows down with age or when the hearts natural electrical conducting fibers wear out. Patients requiring pacemaker implantation often present with symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue and/or fainting associated with a slow pulse. Not uncommonly, patients who require pacemakers are on necessary medications that result in excessive heart rate slowing. A pacemaker system generally consists of a pulse generator (which houses the pacemaker battery and circuitry) and two pacemaker leads. The leads are inserted through the veins into the top and bottom chambers of the heart. A typical pacemaker implantation is done under local anesthesia with light sedation and can be completed in 60-90 minutes. Patients with pacemakers can enjoy active normal lifestyles with minimal restrictions.
Related Questions
- Is the individual's pacemaker rated to perform at depths (i.e., pressures) compatible with recreational diving, including an added margin of safety?
- Can an ALC employee assist a client in recording and transmitting pacemaker readings?
- Does the use of caffeine affect coherence and the use of the Breathing Pacemaker(TM)?
