The heart acts as a muscular pump that is triggered by electrical currents that travel along a specific circuit within the heart. This electrical circuit starts from the sinus or sinoatrial (SA) node, a small mass of specialised tissue located in the right atrium (upper chamber) of the heart. Normally, the SA node generates electrical signals 60 to 100 times per minute (for adults), which initiates the heartbeat.
To reach the atrioventricular (AV) node at the bottom of the right atrium, the electrical impulse exits the SA node and passes via atria. The impulse then travels through the "His-Purkinje" system and the Bundle of His, an electrical conduction pathway, before entering the heart's ventricles, or lower chambers. The electrical impulse causes the muscle to contract, which in turn pumps blood throughout the body. The heart beats as a result of this electrical stimulation and subsequent contraction of heart muscles.
When issues arise with the heart's electrical conduction system, a pacemaker can be required. A pacemaker may be helpful when there is an alteration in the timing of the electrical stimulation of the heart and the subsequent reaction of the heart's pumping chambers.
Also Read: Understanding The Benefits And Risks Of A Temporary Pacemaker
What is a Pacemaker Implantation?
In order to maintain an appropriate heart rate and rhythm, a pacemaker is a small device that delivers electrical impulses to the heart muscle. Many health issues might cause your heartbeat to become excessively rapid or too slow. The pacemaker implantation procedure involves minimal surgery to implant the device just beneath the skin of the chest.The size and weight of a pacemaker are around 2 x 1.5 inches and 1 ounce, respectively. It may be visible beneath your skin. Some of the novel and advanced pacemakers are so small that they are barely noticeable. The pacemaker in the heart optimises heartbeat in the patients who are suffering from irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. It can often be corrected by the implantation of a pacemaker.
The electrical system in your heart signals the chambers when it's time for them to contract. Your heart's chambers may not pump enough blood to your body if the electrical system malfunctions (if it pumps too weakly or in the incorrect order). Electrical impulses are optimised by pacemakers to rectify these types of issues.
Also Read: Pacemaker Surgery Cost In Mumbai, India
When is Pacemaker Implantation Done?
The following conditions can be treated with a pacemaker implantation:- Certain cardiac arrhythmias (irregularities in the heart's regular rhythm)
- Disturbances in the electrical system of your heart, like heart blockages.
- Heart failure
- History of heart attack
- Chest pain
- Tachycardia (fast heartbeat than normal)
- Bradycardia (slow heartbeat than normal)
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Heart palpitations (“flip-flopping” or pounding in your chest)
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Fainting
- Unexplained confusion
- Swelling in your ankles, legs and abdomen
- Urge to urinate multiple times at night
Who is the Right Candidate for Pacemaker Implantation?
To determine whether you are a good candidate for a pacemaker, your cardiologist will examine you thoroughly and may advise some tests. An unusually slow heartbeat is one of the primary reasons a pacemaker is advised. Additionally, a pacemaker can be advised for:- Sinus node disease
- History heart attack
- Heart block
- Long QT syndrome
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
- Tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy
- Chronotropic incompetence
- Recurrent instances of fainting (carotid sinus syndrome)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Resting heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure (for biventricular pacemakers only)
- Congenital heart defects
How is Pacemaker Implantation Done?
Depending on the pacemaker type, you will either undergo surgical, vein, or catheter-based procedure. These techniques have been improved due to advances in surgical expertise. The objective is to reduce post-operative discomfort, speed up recovery, and enable you to return to your life activities sooner:- Catheter-based approach: This procedure involves the use of leadless pacemakers, which exclusively corrects the issues that affect one chamber of your heart. A doctor inserts a catheter (a tube-like device) into an artery (often near your groin) and threads it up to your heart. Once within, it connected to the heart's wall.
- Transvenous (through a vein) approach: This approach is often used among adults. During this surgery, the heart surgeon creates a small incision to reach a vein near the heart. This vein runs beneath your collarbone, down your arm, or up your neck. Using fluoroscopy, the specialist threads the lead wires into the vein and connects them to a specific location on the heart. The leads will then be connected to the pacemaker device, which is inserted into a small "pocket" beneath the skin of your upper chest.
- Surgical-based (epicardial) approach: A surgeon makes a small cut in the chest, inserts the leads, and then connects them to the heart. The surgeon then attaches the leads to the pacemaker. The pacemaker is implanted into a "pocket" beneath the skin of the abdomen.
Conclusion
Heart problems that necessitate a pacemaker can leave you feeling anxious, frightened, or scared. Your heart specialist can help you comprehend your situation and guide you through it so you may feel more at ease about what is going on. Your doctor may also propose resources to help you deal with any questions or concerns you may have. Wondering when and why a pacemaker is needed? Learn about symptoms, benefits, and the implantation process. Get expert cardiac care at Asian Heart Institute. Book your consultation now!FAQs
Q1: Who requires a pacemaker implantation?A: People with slow or irregular heartbeats (bradycardia, arrhythmias), heart block, or heart failure may need a pacemaker to maintain proper heart function.
Q2: What are the symptoms that indicate a pacemaker might be needed?
A: Symptoms include dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and irregular heartbeats.
Q3: How long does it take to recover from pacemaker surgery?
A: Most patients recover within a few days, but full healing may take a few weeks. Normal activities can usually resume after a short rest period.
Q4: What is the life expectancy of someone who has undergone pacemaker implantation?
A: A person's life expectancy after receiving a pacemaker is determined by a number of factors, most notably their age at the time of the procedure and their overall health status. People with fewer or less serious health problems tend to live longer and have a normal or nearly normal life expectancy.
