A pacemaker is a specialized device that uses electrical stimuli to adjust your heart’s beating when it is too slow or irregular. The pulse generator interacts positively with the heart’s chambers. If the heart rate deviates from a healthy rhythm or rate, the pacemaker will deliver an electrical impulse, causing the heart to beat at the right pace.

The functions of a pacemaker are vast and include monitoring the heart rhythm to determine whether the heart beats too slowly or too quickly. Pacemakers can be implanted in the body, and wireless pacemakers are also available.

Types of Pacemakers

There are a variety of pacemakers, including traditional and wireless options. Wireless, leadless pacemakers are smaller than traditional pacemakers. This process requires no surgical commitment because the pulse generator and electrodes are contained in a single device. This device is placed inside the heart’s chamber through a small tube inserted into a vein.

Once the pacemaker has been inserted into the body, it then sends pulses to the right ventricle. A wireless pacemaker may be recommended for patients with delayed electrical conduction to the heart and those with a slow heartbeat.

The Parts of a Pacemaker

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a traditional pacemaker has three main parts.

The three main parts of a traditional pacemaker include:

• A pulse generator: This creates the electrical pulses that keep the heart rhythm in sync.
• Wires: Also called leads, these wires are implanted into veins. Once implanted, they carry pulses to the heart.
• Electrodes: These sense your natural heartbeat. If your heartbeat is slower than normal, the electrodes deliver electrical impulses to the heart to restore a normal rhythm.

In addition, a pacemaker can send data to your doctor remotely. A traditional pacemaker generator is placed outside of your heart, in your abdomen or chest. Wires are connected to the electrodes inside one or three heart chambers.

What to Expect When Receiving a Pacemaker

Patients receiving a pacemaker will be scheduled for a procedure in advance. However, there are emergencies in which a temporary pacemaker must be used for a patient.

Patients can expect the following when receiving a pacemaker:

• You will be given medicine to help you fall asleep and to numb parts of your body.
• Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
• You may receive blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots from forming during the procedure.
• Wires and electrodes are threaded through the veins in the thigh, chest, neck, or the heart’s chambers.
• Electrodes are placed in the heart muscle as the doctor uses echocardiography or X-ray imaging to guide the process.
• A small cut is made in the abdomen or chest once the wires are in place and the generator is placed under the skin.
• The generator connects to the wires that lead to the heart. The doctor will then perform tests to verify that the device works properly.

After the procedure, you will not be allowed to move your arm for at least 12 hours. This helps prevent interrupting the lead or the device. Additionally, it allows your chest to heal more quickly.

Cardiovascular Treatment

Those with cardiovascular health issues can find assistance at the United Heart Institute. We have a team of expert cardiologists who can provide you with information about pacemakers and heart health. Whether you require advanced treatments, a specific procedure, or diagnostic testing, our clinic focuses on heart-healthy treatment options.

Before considering a heart health clinic, seek urgent medical attention if you suffer from heart problems. If your health problem requires cutting-edge technology and treatments, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about pacemakers.