What is pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a device that helps regulate the heart’s rhythm in people with disorders of the heart’s electrical conduction system.

Its main function is to emit electrical impulses when the heart beats too slowly or irregularly, which helps ensure a proper heart rhythm to maintain efficient blood circulation.

Thanks to this device, various arrhythmias are treated, improving people’s quality of life and reducing their risk of serious cardiovascular complications.

How a Pacemaker Is Implanted

It is a procedure that consists of placing a device that sends electrical impulses under the skin in the chest to help maintain a proper heart rate. Depending on the condition, a single-chamber or dual-chamber pacemaker can be implanted.

After reviewing your clinical history, the specialist at ABC Medical Center will determine which tests you should have to define the cause of your irregular heart rhythm. These include an electrocardiogram, a stress test, Holter monitoring, or an echocardiogram.

The surgical procedure is performed with local anesthesia. Sometimes it may be necessary to inject a radiological contrast to see the path the veins take and their size. During the first 24 hours, you should rest in bed to avoid complications. Afterward, you can get up, avoiding sudden movements, especially with the arm on the side where the pacemaker was implanted. After a week, the surgical wound should be checked, and if your doctor authorizes it, you can return to your normal life.

Keep in mind that in the hours and days after the implant, you may feel some discomfort in the pacemaker area, which will disappear over time.

Pacemaker Risks

Although a pacemaker implantation is safe, some complications may occur, such as:

• Collapsed lung
• Damage to blood vessels or nerves near the pacemaker
• Bruising, swelling, or bleeding at the generator site, especially if you take anticoagulants
• Bleeding during the implant
• General infections or infections in the area where the pacemaker was implanted
• Allergies to medications

Your doctor will periodically check the pacemaker to ensure it is working properly and to see if the battery or generator needs to be replaced.

What a Pacemaker for the Heart Is Like

A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted in a person’s chest or abdomen. Due to the particular characteristics of this type of device, there are some specific recommendations to ensure the pacemaker works properly:

• Avoid keeping your cell phone too close to the pacemaker and preferably use it on the opposite ear from the side where it was implanted.
• Avoid standing close to or leaning against a metal detection system. Try to carry an identification card with you that says you have a pacemaker.
• Make sure your doctors know you have a pacemaker, as certain electromagnetic procedures can interfere with it.

At the Arrhythmia Clinic at ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!

Fuentes:

• Texas Heart
• Elsevier
• MSD Manuals