Enquire now
Enquire NowCall Back Whatsapp
Pacemaker Implant 101: What you must know

Home > Blogs > Pacemaker Implant 101: What you must know

Pacemaker Implant 101: What you must know

Cardiology | by Dr. Ashok B Malpani | Published on 07/02/2022


Do you know that your heart beats around 1,15000 times per day? And the heart is the only muscle that never rests! It continuously beats to pump blood at different parts of our body. However, if you don't keep your heart healthy enough, it may lead to an irregular beating. If your heart rate is abnormally low or high, it could indicate a problem with your heart. This abnormality could be caused by a variety of factors, and if not addressed properly, it can result in major consequences. Sometimes, it may even cause life-threatening conditions too. And to treat such conditions pacemaker has proven to be helpful for ages. In this blog, we will discuss the same with our heart specialist from the best cardiac center in Kolkata.

 

Understanding the concept- Pacemaker:

A pacemaker is a battery-operated, small electronic device that can generate an electronic impulse to the heart muscles. This allows the ventricles(lower chambers) to beat effectively so that they can pump blood to all your heart muscles and maintain heart rate. The pacemaker is implanted beneath the skin of the heart to help control arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.

 

What does a pacemaker do?

When the heart is unable to perform the function on its own for some reason, a pacemaker is used to replicate the action of the heart's natural electrical system.

A pacemaker consists of a pulse generator (also known as an electrode) and leads (also known as electrodes), which are flexible, insulated cables that regulate the rate of electrical pulses supplied to your heart.

These are inserted in one or more chambers of the heart, depending on the patient's demands and requirements, and act as a medium for conveying electrical pulses to regulate your heart rate.

 

What are the conditions that require a pacemaker implant as a treatment option?

Apart from the arrhythmia(irregular beating), the pacemaker is required for

  • Tachycardia- too fast a heartbeat.
  • Bradycardia- too slow a heartbeat, which can occur as a result of normal aging and the weakening of the heart muscles. This could result in a heart attack or other serious heart problems.

 

When should you see a doctor?

If you have symptoms like syncope, angina, or shortness of breath, you should consult a doctor right away. These symptoms could indicate a rapid cardiac arrest caused by arrhythmia. Your doctor will do a thorough evaluation and recommend a few tests to evaluate whether you require a pacemaker or not.

 

Who is an ideal candidate for getting a pacemaker?

If you have any of the symptoms listed below, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to see if you require a permanent heart pacemaker. For heart patients who exhibit the following symptoms, a heart pacemaker operation is frequently recommended:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • Cold sweats
  • Syncope
  • Angina
  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • syncope

 

Is getting a pacemaker is painful?

You will not experience any pain or discomfort because the surgery is done under the influence of anesthetics and sedatives. However, once you've regained consciousness, you're likely to feel mild to moderate pain and discomfort. This normally lasts two to three days and can be easily treated with pain medication. Aside from that, there's a chance you'll have some bruising at the surgical site. Within a few days, this will also heal on its own.

 

What can you expect after getting the pacemaker implant?

The services offered at the pacemaker implant in Kolkata will ensure the effective working of the implanted pacemaker for every patient before leaving the hospital.

Pacemakers use a wireless technology called radiofrequency signals or phones to assist doctors in analyzing data from cardiac measurements. This data from the pacemaker normally contains information on the pacemaker's function, normal heart rhythm and heart rate, and the pacemaker's remaining battery.

The data can be received at predetermined times as well as at random times, such as when a patient is experiencing a problem and wishes to alert the doctor. This remote wireless technology helps you save time and money by reducing the number of journeys you make to the doctor. However, follow-up visits are still required.

 

What are the instructions that you have to follow after the surgery?

Following the pacemaker implantation, your doctor may advise you to avoid the following activities:

  • Exercise or strenuous physical activity
  • Lifting heavy objects should be avoided at all costs.
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol intake

Conclusion- if your cardiologist has recommended you for a pacemaker implant, you can consider pacemaker surgery from our experienced cardiologist in Kolkata at BM Birla Hospital.