Our heart is a very amazing organ. It doesn't just beat, it has its own electrical system to control the heartbeat. Think of it like the wiring system in our house. The small electrical signals coming from this system tell the chambers of the heart to contract at the right time. But sometimes, for various reasons, this electrical system can get a little messy. That's when this small, but very important device called a "pacemaker" comes to our aid.
So, what is this pacemaker?
Simply put, a pacemaker is a small electronic device that is surgically implanted in your body to support your heart's electrical system. It's like a little "conductor" that helps regulate your heart's rhythm when it's out of sync.
Imagine that your heart's electrical system is weak. Then the heart's chambers do not contract at the right time. Maybe they beat too fast, or too slow, or the rhythm is completely disrupted. As a result, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the entire body.
The pacemaker monitors the functioning of the heart's natural electrical system. If it detects any abnormality, the pacemaker sends out very subtle electrical signals that tell the heart, "Okay, now is the time to contract." This helps to keep the heart beating at a steady rate.
What are the signs that you might need a pacemaker?
Your doctor will decide whether you need a pacemaker or not. However, if you have these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor and discuss them.
Remember, not everyone with these symptoms will need a pacemaker, but it is important to be aware of these and seek medical advice.
| Symptom | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Chest pain (Angina) | Chest tightness or pain caused by not enough blood reaching the heart. |
| Rapid heartbeat (Tachycardia) | The heart beats faster than 100 times per minute for no reason. |
| Slow heartbeat (Bradycardia) | The heart beats very slowly, at a rate of less than 60 beats per minute. |
| Irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia) | The heartbeat feels irregular, sometimes skipping a beat, or having an extra beat. |
| Palpitations | A feeling of tightness in the chest, as if the heart is "struggling" or "rolling stones." |
| Difficulty breathing | Feeling tired and short of breath, especially when doing small tasks or walking. |
| Dizziness, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness | Feeling light-headed, nauseous, or fainting for no reason. |
| Swelling of the ankles, legs, and abdomen | Swelling in areas like the legs and ankles due to fluid accumulation in the body. |
If you have these symptoms, it could be due to a heart rhythm problem. For example, people with a history of heart blocks or heart attacks may also need a pacemaker.
How many types of pacemakers are there?
Yes, depending on your heart condition, your doctor will choose the type of pacemaker that is best for you. These can mainly have one, two, or three leads.
| Pacemaker type | Description |
|---|---|
| Leadless Pacemaker | This is very small, about the size of a large vitamin capsule. There are no wires. It is inserted into the heart through a catheter and attached to the inner wall of the heart. |
| Single-chamber Pacemaker | This has only one wire. It connects to one chamber of the heart. |
| Dual-chamber Pacemaker | This has two wires that connect to two chambers of the heart. |
| Biventricular Pacemaker | It has three wires. Two are connected to the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) and one to the upper right chamber (right atrium). It is used for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT). |
What is the difference between a pacemaker and an ICD?
Your doctor may also talk to you about an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator), which is similar to a pacemaker, but a little different.
- A pacemaker only sends electrical signals to control the heart's rhythm. It cannot deliver an electric shock to the heart.
- An ICD can also work like a pacemaker. In addition, if the heart rate becomes life-threateningly fast (e.g., ventricular tachycardia), it can detect it and deliver a strong electrical shock to the heart to restore the rhythm.
Is this a major surgery? How do you get a pacemaker fitted?
This is not a major, open-heart surgery. With the technology available today, these surgeries are very advanced. There is less pain, and you can recover quickly and return to your normal life. There are three main methods.
1. Catheter-based approach: This is used for leadless pacemakers. A small tube (catheter) is inserted into a vein through the groin, and the pacemaker is guided through it and implanted into the heart. This usually takes less than an hour.
2. Transvenous approach: This is the most commonly used method. A small incision is made under the collarbone or in the skin of the neck, and the pacemaker wires (leads) are inserted into the heart through a vein. This is done under X-ray (fluoroscopy) guidance. After the wires are placed in the right places in the heart, the pacemaker device is placed in a small "pocket" made under the skin on the upper chest.
3. Epicardial approach: This is usually done in children or during other heart surgeries. A small incision is made in the chest and wires are inserted outside the heart. The pacemaker device is placed under the skin of the abdomen.
These surgeries can usually take between two and five hours. Your doctor will explain which method is best for you.
Like everything, are there any risks? (Complications)
As with any medical procedure, there are some small risks. However, these are very rare. Your doctor will inform you about these.
- Allergic reactions: An allergy may occur to the medication used or to the metal from which the pacemaker is made.
- Blood clots: To reduce this risk, your doctor may prescribe medication that prevents blood clots.
- Device or wire defects: Sometimes a wire can move a little from where it was inserted. That's why it's recommended to avoid excessive strain on the limb for a while after surgery.
- Interference from external devices: You need to be careful when going near some devices that have strong electrical or magnetic fields (e.g. MRI machines). However, newer pacemakers are now designed to be more resistant to this. Your doctor will give you advice on this.
Things to know about living with a pacemaker
After having a pacemaker, you can lead a normal, active life. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
How long does a pacemaker battery last?
This depends on the type of pacemaker and how well it works. On average, the battery lasts for about 10-15 years . Your doctor will ask you to come to the clinic at regular intervals. Then, both the pacemaker and the battery will be checked. When it's time to replace the battery, it can be done with a much simpler, minor surgery than putting in the pacemaker in the first place.
Things you can do to stay healthy
The lifespan of someone with a pacemaker depends on their overall health. If you live a healthy life, you can expect to live a normal or near-normal life.
- Take your medications exactly as prescribed: If your doctor has prescribed other medications in addition to your pacemaker, take them exactly on time and for the prescribed duration. Don't be afraid to ask if you have any questions.
- Go to the clinics on time: This is very important. The doctor will check your health and the functioning of the pacemaker at this time.
- Listen to your body: If your pulse rate is consistently outside the normal range your doctor has given you (too low or too high), call your doctor immediately.
If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately:
* If you have any difficulty breathing.
* If you suddenly gain weight or your legs or ankles swell.
* If you experience dizziness, fainting, or confusion.
* If the symptoms you had before the pacemaker was inserted reappear.
It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when you're told you need a pacemaker because of a heart problem. But remember, this is something that is being done to improve your quality of life and protect you. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. That way, you'll have a better understanding and peace of mind.
Take-Home Message
- A pacemaker is a small electronic device that helps correct irregular heartbeats.
- It is important to seek medical advice if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or a fast or slow heartbeat.
- This is not a major, open-heart surgery, and can be performed very safely with current technology.
- A pacemaker allows you to live a normal, active life again.
- It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions exactly after surgery and attend clinics on time.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න