Pacemakers

An artificial Pacemaker is a small, battery operated device that helps the heart beat in a regular rhythm. Some can be permanent or temporary and can replace a defective, natural pacemaker or blocked pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

The information presented below is only for informational purposes. Your surgeon will talk to you about details regarding your specific procedure.

What is a pacemaker and how does it work?

A pacemaker contains a powerful battery, electronic circuits and computer memory that together generate electronic signals. The signals, or pacing pulses, are carried along thin, insulated wires, or leads, to the heart muscle. The signals cause the heart muscle to begin the contractions that cause a heartbeat. Hp pavilion dv6000 battery

Who needs a pacemaker?

The most common reason for a pacemaker is a heartbeat that slows to an unhealthy rate, or bradycardia. A pacemaker resets the heart rate to an appropriate pace; ensuring adequate blood and oxygen are delivered to the brain and other parts of the body. Other reasons for a pace maker include:

Bradycardia - a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or fainting spells. Bradycardia may be caused by the wear and tear of age or by conditions such as sick sinus syndrome (SSS) or heart block.

Atrial fibrillation - a common heart rhythm disorder in which the upper chambers of the heart beat rapidly and chaotically. Sometimes people with atrial fibrillation can also have slow rhythms. Medicines used to control atrial fibrillation may result in slow rhythms which are treated by pacemakers. Cigarettes online

Heart failure - a condition in which the heartbeat is not sufficient to supply a normal volume of blood and oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. A special pacemaker can be carefully programmed to increase the force of muscle contractions in the heart. This is called "biventricular pacing" or "resynchronization" therapy.

Syncope - a condition best known as the common faint, is usually not serious. Some patients faint when their heart rhythm becomes very slow. For a small percentage of people who experience severe and frequent fainting spells, a pacemaker may prevent the heart rate from slowing to the point of fainting. How and where is the pacemaker inserted?

A pacemaker is implanted just below the collarbone in a procedure that takes about two hours. It is programmed to stimulate the heart at a pre-determined rate, and settings can be adjusted at any time. Routine evaluation, sometimes even via telephone, ensures the pacemaker is working properly and monitors battery life, which generally runs from five to ten years.

Can I feel the pacemaker pulse?

No. The pacemaker produces only a weak electrical current, which affects only the heart.