A pacemaker is a small device that sends electrical impulses to the heart muscle to maintain the proper number and rhythm of the heartbeat. In addition, it may be used to treat syncope, congestive heart failure, and rarely, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

This device is implanted under the skin of the chest during a short surgery.... A healthy heart has its own pacemaker that regulates the heartbeat.

But some hearts do not have a regular rhythm, a problem known as arrhythmia. In most cases, a pacemaker can correct this problem.

Read more: The most important symptoms of heart trouble

How does a pacemaker work?

This device has two parts: the leads and the pulse generator... The pulse generator contains a battery and a small computer and is placed just under the skin of the chest.. The leads are wires that reach the heart through the veins and are implanted in the heart muscle.. They send impulses from the pulse generator to the heart muscle and also receive the heart's electrical activity. The device required to treat the related heart disease, the pacemaker can have one or three leads.

Types of pacemakers

There are different percussion instruments:

• Single-chamber pacemakers use a lead in the upper chamber (atrium) or lower chamber (ventricle) of the heart.
• Dual chamber pacemakers use one lead in the atria and one lead in the ventricles.
• Dual ventricle pacemaker uses three leads: one lead is placed in the right atrium, one lead is placed in the right ventricle, and the other one is placed near the left ventricle.

The doctor gives the minimum heart rate.... When the heart rate falls below the set limit, the pacemaker generates an electrical impulse that is transmitted through the lead to the heart muscle.... This causes the heart muscle to contract, which causes the heart to beat.

Who needs a pacemaker?

If your heart has trouble keeping its rhythm, you may need one.. Your doctor will do some tests to check this.

• Brady arrhythmias... These are slow heart rhythms that may be caused by disease of the heart's electrical conduction system (such as the sinus-atrial node, atrio-ventricular node, or His-Purkinje system).
• Heart failure... This device is called simultaneous cardiac re-pacing therapy (CRT) or biventricular pacemaker.
• If you need a pacemaker, your doctor will decide on the type of pacemaker you need based on your heart condition.

Before pacemaker surgery

• Ask your doctor about the medications you can take before having a pacemaker implanted.... Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications one to five days before the procedure.... If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about how to adjust your diabetes medications.
• Don't eat anything from midnight the night before the operation... If you have to take medicine, take it with a sip of water.
• WEAR COMFORTABLE CLOTHES WHEN YOU GO TO THE HOSPITAL.... For this procedure, you will need to wear a hospital gown.... REMOVE ALL YOUR JEWELRY AND VALUABLES AT HOME.
• How are percussion instruments planted?
• Implantation of the pacemaker is done in two ways:
• Intracardiac method... This method is the most commonly used method.
• This method is performed in a pacemaker or electrophysiology laboratory.
• A local anesthetic (pain reliever) is prescribed to numb the area... an incision is made in the chest where the leads and pacemaker are placed.
• The lead(s) are inserted through the incision and into the vein and then guided to the heart with the help of a fluoroscopic device.
• The head of the lead is attached to the heart muscle, while the other end (which is attached to the pulse generator) is inserted into a hole made under the skin in the upper part of the chest.
• Epicard approach... This method is generally used for children.
• This procedure is performed by a surgeon in the surgical suite. In order to make the person sleep, general anesthesia is given to him.
• The surgeon attaches the head of the lead to the heart muscle, while the other end of the lead (connected to the pulse generator) is inserted into a hole made under the skin in the abdomen.
• Although recovery with the epicardial approach is longer than other methods, minimally invasive techniques have provided shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.

The doctor determines the most suitable pacemaker implantation method.

What happens during pacemaker surgery

Implanting a pacemaker in the heart takes about 1 to 2 hours.

What happens when a pacemaker is implanted?

• The person lies down on the bed and the nurse starts the venipuncture.... This is done due to the possibility of receiving medicine and fluids during the operation..
• The left or right side of the person's chest is modified and cleaned with special soap....to cover the person, sterile gowns are used that cover the person from the neck to the feet....in order to prevent hand contact with the sterile area, bands are placed around the person's waist and arms take it.

How are percussion instruments planted?

• The doctor will numb your skin by injecting a local anesthetic....at first you will feel burning or pressure....then it will go numb....After this, an incision will be made to insert the pacemaker and lead....When the doctor makes a hole in the tissue under the skin to insert the pacemaker, you may feel a stretch....if you don't feel the pain.
• After creating a hole, the doctor inserts the leads into the vein and guides them to the desired location using a fluoroscopic device.
• After the leads are placed, they are tested to make sure they can increase the heart rate.. This is called "pacing" and involves sending a small amount of energy through the leads to the heart muscle.. This causes the heart to contract.. Report pain immediately.
• After testing the leads, the doctor connects them to the pacemaker... The doctor determines the pacemaker's speed and other settings.... The final settings of the pacemaker after implantation are done using a special device called "programmer".

What to expect after pacemaker surgery?

To implant a pacemaker, you will be hospitalized overnight. The nurses will monitor your heart rate and rhythm. The next morning, a chest x-ray will be taken to ensure proper placement of the leads and pacemaker.

You will be shown how to care for your wound....keep your wound clean and dry....you can shower after 5 days....check your wound every day to make sure it has healed....your pacemaker settings will be checked before you leave the hospital.

See more: Best Heart Doctors

You will receive a temporary ID card that contains the following information:

• The type of pacemaker and leads you have
• Date of pacemaker implantation
• The name of the doctor who implanted the pacemaker

Within 3 months, you will receive a permanent card from the pacemaker manufacturer.... If you need medical care at another hospital, keep this card with you at all times.

Limitations after pacemaker surgery

• You may be able to move your arm normally after getting the pacemaker.
• Do not lift objects weighing more than 10 pounds.
• Do not raise your hands above shoulder level for 3 weeks.
• Avoid activities such as snow removal or lawn mowing that require pushing or pulling heavy objects.
• Avoid doing any activity that makes you too tired.
• Avoid golf, tennis and swimming for 6 weeks after the operation.
• Try to walk as much as possible for exercise.
• Consult with your doctor about performing more vigorous activities.
• Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work, which will usually be a week after you return home.... If you are at work, easily return to your usual work schedule.

How often should you see a doctor for a pacemaker?

6 weeks after pacemaker implantation, it should be thoroughly checked... Adjustments will be made that will extend the life of your pacemaker... Then the pacemaker should be checked by phone every 3 months to determine the battery performance... The nurse will explain how to check the pacemaker using the phone transmitter... You will need to go to the hospital or office for a more thorough examination once or twice a year.

If you have a biventricular pacemaker, you may need to visit your doctor's office or hospital every 6 months to make sure your device is working properly and needs no adjustments.

• Dangers and side effects of pacemaker surgery
• Talk to your doctor about the benefits and possible risks of pacemaker surgery.
• In general, pacemaker surgery is safe, but problems do occur.
• Call your doctor if you notice any of the following:
• Increased swelling, bleeding, bruising or infection near the site
• Injury of blood vessels or nerves
• Lung collapse
• Reaction to any medication used during surgery

Life with a Pacemaker

If you have a pacemaker, should you avoid certain electrical devices?

• Electric blankets, heating pads and microwave ovens can be used and do not interfere with the pacemaker.
• The mobile phone should be used on the opposite side where the pacemaker is implanted.
• Mobile phones should not be placed directly on the chest or on the side where the pacemaker is located.
• You should avoid strong electric or magnetic fields such as: some industrial equipment.. radio stations; High-intensity radio waves (found near large electrical generators, power plants, or radio frequency transmission towers).. and arc resistant welders.
• Avoid tests that require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Your doctor or nurse can provide more information about equipment that may interfere with your pacemaker.
• If you have concerns about your job or activity, consult your doctor.

How long does a pacemaker last?

The lifespan of a pacemaker is usually 7-10 years, depending on how much you use it... When the device's battery is low, the pacemaker should be replaced.

You can use GCORP LLC to consult a cardiologist.