A heart pacemaker is a small medical device that is implanted in the chest to help regulate the heart’s rhythm. It is used for people whose heartbeats are too slow, irregular, or out of sync, a condition known as bradycardia or other heart rhythm disorders.
How a Heart Pacemaker Works:
- The pacemaker has two main components:
- Pulse generator: This is a small, battery-powered device that sends electrical impulses to the heart to help regulate its rhythm.
- Leads (wires): These are thin, flexible wires that connect the pulse generator to the heart. The leads deliver electrical signals to the heart muscle to stimulate a heartbeat when needed.
- Electrical impulses: The pacemaker monitors the heart’s natural rhythm and sends electrical impulses to the heart if it detects that the heart rate is too slow or irregular. This ensures the heart maintains a normal and efficient rhythm.
Types of Pacemakers:
- Single-chamber pacemaker: It stimulates either the right atrium or the right ventricle of the heart.
- Dual-chamber pacemaker: It stimulates both the right atrium and the right ventricle, helping to coordinate the timing of contractions between the two chambers.
- Biventricular pacemaker (CRT – Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy): This type is used in patients with heart failure and helps synchronize the contractions of both ventricles to improve heart function.
When is a Pacemaker Needed?
A pacemaker may be recommended for people who have conditions like:
- Bradycardia: A heart rate that is too slow, which can cause dizziness, fatigue, or fainting.
- Heart block: A condition where the electrical signals that control the heart’s rhythm are delayed or blocked, causing the heart to beat irregularly.
- Atrial fibrillation with slow heart rate: Atrial fibrillation is a condition of rapid, irregular heartbeats, and a pacemaker may be used to ensure the heart doesn’t beat too slowly.
How the Procedure is Done:
The pacemaker is typically implanted through a small incision near the collarbone. The leads are threaded through a vein and positioned inside the heart. The pulse generator is implanted just under the skin, and the device is tested to make sure it’s working properly before the incision is closed.
The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, and patients are often able to go home the same day or the following day.
Benefits of a Pacemaker:
- Improved quality of life: By regulating the heart rate, a pacemaker can prevent symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and fatigue, allowing individuals to feel more energetic and active.
- Enhanced heart function: It helps the heart pump more efficiently, improving overall circulation.
- Long-term management: Pacemakers are designed to last for many years, often requiring only occasional adjustments or battery replacements.