Pacemaker Clinic

How does a pacemaker work?

A pacemaker is kind of an electronic device that sends electrical signals t the heart to make sure no irregularities are experienced.

• A pacemaker uses batteries to send electric signals to your heart to help it pump the right way.
• The pacemaker is connected to your heart by one or more wires. Tiny electric charges that you can’t feel move through the wire to your heart.
• Pacemakers work only when needed. They go on when your heartbeat is too slow, too fast or irregular

What are the types of the pacemakers?

The type is recommended as per your heart condition and the use that the pacemaker is being used to address. The common used types are: Single chamber pacemaker, dual chamber pacemaker, bi ventricular pacemakers, rate responsive pacemakers.

When are pacemakers used?

Pacemakers are prescribed if you are suffering from any of the following conditions:

• Bradycardia: A condition in which the heart beats too slowly, causing symptoms such as fainting, dizziness or nausea.
• Atrial Fibrillation: It is a common heart rhythm disorder in which the heart beats too fast and chaotically. People with AF can sometimes have slow rhythms. Medicines can also cause slow heart beat and pacemakers can rectify the effect.
• Heart Failure: It is a condition in which the heart beat is not that strong enough to carry normal amounts of oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body. A special pacemaker forces the heart to contract.

How can I live with a pacemaker?

Living with a cardiac disease includes life style modifications. You need to start making your life healthy. Refer to the following points that should be kept in mind, if you have been implanted with a pacemaker:

• Keep a check on your heart rate and if you feel uneasy or experience any difficulty breathing, consult your cardiologist immediately.
• Your cardiologist has to check your pacemaker and its functioning after every 6 months, bear with him, it is for your own good.
• The battery in your pacemaker can last upto 5 – 8 yrs. If the battery runs down, you need to get the pacemaker replaced and you will need a surgery for the same. Be prepared!
• Always follow the medicines recommended by the doctor.
• You need to tell security people that you have a pacemaker.
• You also need to inform radiologists and technicians before going in for a scan – MRI, X Ray, etc that you have a pacemaker. The scanning equipments and the rays can have an adverse effect on the machines.
• Household microwaves, electric appliances, most office and light shop equipment will NOT affect your pacemaker.

If you or your loved one has been recommended a pacemaker implantation, you can contact our Pacemaker Clinic.