A pacemaker is a surgically implanted electronic device that regulates heartbeats. Learn more about surgery, procedures, risks, consequences, and advantages by reading this blog.
A pacemaker is a device that controls the heart rate. If your doctor prescribes a pacemaker for you, it will be placed during surgery. This reference overview describes how pacemakers function as well as the advantages and disadvantages of having one. This article also goes over what to expect after having a pacemaker implanted.
Pacemaker
A pacemaker is a surgically implanted electronic device that regulates heartbeats. A pacemaker sends additional electrical impulses to the heart, causing it to beat quicker. A pacemaker is made up of two parts: a pulse generator and insulated leads. Some pacemakers have one lead, while others have two. The pulse generator is a compact metal box with a tiny electrical chip and a battery inside. The battery supplies electricity, and the electronic chip functions similarly to a computer program. The electronic chip detects the heartbeat and sends out electric signals in response to maintain a regular pace.
The most recent pulse generator types weigh less than 1 ounce and are very thin. They must be changed when the battery expires, which happens every 7-10 years.
Through blood arteries, the leads connect the pulse generator to the heart muscle. They serve two purposes:
- They detect the rate at which the heart beats and relay the information to the pulse generator.
- According to the pulse generator, the leads send electrical signals to the heart to trigger heartbeats.
Maintaining The Pacemaker
Your pacemaker should be checked by your doctor at least twice a year. He or she slides a wand that resembles a computer mouse over the pacemaker.
Radio signals are used by the wand to communicate with the pacemaker. Your healthcare professional can configure your pacemaker using the wand after verifying the battery state, pacing functions, and other parameters. This allows the pacemaker to be as precise and tailored to your medical needs as feasible. Your doctor may provide you with a gadget that allows you to have your pacemaker tested while you are at home. This is referred to as trans-telephonic monitoring. You may check your pulse rate to ensure that it is right. Consult your doctor about the minimum number of beats per minute you should have.
If you notice your heart is beating too slowly or if you experience any lightheadedness, vision problems, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor. When the pulse generator has to be changed, the procedure is normally performed as an outpatient treatment, and the patient is discharged the same day.