Do you sometimes feel your heart beating strangely? Suddenly it beats very fast, or it feels like it's pounding? Or do you suddenly feel faint or have difficulty breathing? These can be due to some change in the rhythm of our heart. So today we are talking about a small, but very important device that comes to your heart's aid at times like these. That is the pacemaker.
So, what is a pacemaker?
Simply put, a pacemaker is a small electronic device that is implanted inside your body, usually through minor surgery. It's about the size of a matchbox. Its main function is to support the natural electrical system in our heart.
Imagine that our heart is like a pump that works to a certain rhythm. This pump is given commands to work properly by a small electrical system in the heart itself. Sometimes, when there is a defect or weakness in this electrical system, the heart beats irregularly. It either beats very fast or very slowly. What this pacemaker does is to monitor the heartbeat and send a small electrical signal only when necessary, bringing the heart rhythm back to the correct rhythm.
What conditions require a pacemaker?
There are several conditions that can be treated with a pacemaker. Here are some of them:
- Heart rhythm disorders: This is the best solution for some heart rhythm disorders (Arrhythmia).
- Heart block: When there are blockages in the pathways through which electrical signals travel in the heart (Heart Blocks).
- Heart Failure: It is also used as a support when the heart is weak and cannot pump enough blood to the body.
- Having a history of a previous heart attack: Sometimes the heart's electrical system can be damaged after a heart attack.
What are the symptoms that may indicate you need a pacemaker?
The doctor who examines you will decide whether you need a pacemaker. But if you have any of the symptoms below, you should definitely talk to a doctor about them. Don't ignore them.
| Symptom | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Chest pain (Angina) | Chest tightness or pain that occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood. |
| Rapid heartbeat (Tachycardia) | Heart beating faster than 100 times per minute for no reason. |
| Slow heartbeat (Bradycardia) | A heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute at rest. |
| Irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia) | The heart beats irregularly, skipping some beats, or having an extra beat. |
| Palpitations | An uncomfortable feeling as if the heart is pounding or rolling inside the chest. |
| Difficulty breathing | Especially when you're a little tired. |
| Unexplained dizziness, fainting | Sudden dizziness, blue eyes, nausea, or fainting. |
| Swelling of the ankles, legs, and abdomen | Swelling caused by fluid accumulation in the body. |
What types of pacemakers are there?
Depending on your heart condition, your doctor will choose the type of pacemaker that is best for you. These may have one, two, or three leads.
- Leadless Pacemaker: This is about the size of a large vitamin capsule. It is inserted into the heart through a catheter (tube) and implanted in the heart wall. This eliminates the need for external wires.
- Single-chamber pacemaker: This has only one wire. It is implanted in one chamber of the heart.
- Dual-chamber pacemaker: This has two wires that are attached to two chambers of the heart.
- Biventricular Pacemaker: This has three wires. It is also called `Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT).` This makes all the chambers of the heart work together, in the same rhythm.
Your doctor may also recommend an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which is similar to a pacemaker but a little different. A pacemaker can only control the heart's rhythm. But an ICD can also control the rhythm and, if the heart is getting into a dangerously fast rhythm, detect it and deliver a small electric shock to bring the heart back to normal.
Is this a major surgery?
No. With today's advanced technology, this is often done without a major chest surgery. It is done in a way that allows you to go home with less pain, recover faster, and feel better.
Most often, a small incision is made in the skin below the collarbone, and a wire or wires are passed through it through a blood vessel (vein) to the heart. The pacemaker battery is then placed in a small 'pocket' created under the skin near the incision. The entire procedure takes a few hours. Your doctor will explain the method that is best for you.
What are the benefits of having a pacemaker?
The main purpose of a pacemaker is to improve your quality of life.
- Many symptoms caused by heart rhythm problems, such as chest pain, dizziness, fainting, and palpitations, disappear.
- It prevents unpleasant things like falling out of sleep.
- Most importantly, it can save you from life-threatening situations like cardiac arrest.
Isn't it risky then?
As with any medical procedure, there are some small risks. But they are rare. There are things like allergies, blood clots, and equipment malfunctions. But your doctor will take every precaution to minimize these risks. It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions and avoid strenuous activity for a while after surgery.
How long does a pacemaker battery last?
This depends on the type of pacemaker you have and how often it is used. But most pacemaker batteries now last about 10-15 years . Replacing the battery is a much simpler process than getting the pacemaker in the first place. Your doctor will bring you in at regular intervals to check the battery level.
Take-Home Message
- A pacemaker is a life-saving device that helps maintain the correct rhythm of your heart. Don't be afraid of it.
- If you have symptoms such as a change in your chest rhythm, dizziness, or fainting, do not ignore them and see a doctor immediately.
- After having a pacemaker implanted, follow the doctor's instructions (taking medication, going to clinics on time) exactly.
- Listen to your body. If your previous symptoms return after having a pacemaker, if you have difficulty breathing, or if your legs swell, tell your doctor right away.
- Remember, this is a new beginning for you. This little device will help you live a normal, happy life.
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