Pacemakers are devices surgically implanted in the body to support the heart's electrical system. They can stabilize the abnormal rhythms of the heart and prevent problems that endanger or disrupt our life. At Aster Hospitals, we aim to provide the best treatment to improve quality of life. The type of pacemaker to be implanted depends on the symptoms and the heart conditions that you may have.
The heart has electrical signals that coordinate the working of all four chambers. When the heart's electrical system fails, all four chambers pump blood without any coordination. This leads to an inadequate supply of blood to the entire body. Pacemakers use electrical impulses to correct these malfunctions.
Talking about the symptoms with the doctor is the first step before deciding whether a pacemaker should be placed. However, there are some symptoms that one should tell the healthcare provider about.
- Angina, also known as chest pain
- Increase in the number of heartbeats
- Decrease in the number of heartbeats
- Palpitations
- Breathlessness at the time of exercise
- The feeling of lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
- Unexplained confusion
- Swelling in the abdomen, ankle, and legs
- Urinating multiple times in a day
One may undergo catheter-based, surgical-based, or vein-based procedures depending on the type of pacemaker used. Advances in the surgical field have made procedures refined. The goal is to feel less pain, recover faster, and return to life sooner.
Catheter-based approach
This method allows leadless pacemakers to be placed in one of the chambers. A doctor inserts a catheter into the artery and threads it up the heart. Once it reaches there, it is attached to the wall of the heart. This procedure usually takes an hour or less.
Transvenous approach
This method is most commonly used in adults. An incision is made to access a vein near the heart during this procedure. With the help of fluoroscopy, the doctor threads the lead wires through the vein and attaches them to the heart. The leads are then attached to the pacemaker, which is placed in a small pocket under the skin of the chest. This procedure takes around 2 to 5 hours.
Surgical approach
A surgeon creates a small incision in the chest and inserts the leads through the incision on the left side of the chest near the collarbone. They then connect the leads to the pacemaker. The pacemaker is attached to a pocket under the skin of the abdomen.
Pacemakers are used to improve the quality of life affected by heart problems. There are several benefits of using a pacemaker. A few of them are:
- It alleviates the symptoms caused by heart rhythm disorders, including chest pain, confusion, palpitation, nausea, and confusion.
- It prevents unpleasant symptoms like losing consciousness.
- It saves lives by preventing the heart from stopping its function.
However, there are a few side effects of implanting a pacemaker. These include:
- Allergic reactions may occur if you are allergic to any materials used in a pacemaker.
- There may be the formation of blood clots, which can be slowed down by using blood thinning agents.
- You may have to avoid operating specific devices or as they can cause malfunction of the pacemaker.
- Some people develop heart rhythm disorders because of pacemakers.
Health Conditions Treated
- Certain arrhythmias
- Heart failure
- Heart attack
- Heart blocks
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
How long do the batteries of pacemakers last?
The duration for which the battery will last depends on the model of the pacemaker. Certain pacemakers are available that can last as long as 10 to 15 years. Your healthcare provider will let you know the average lifespan of the device that you will receive
When should you call a doctor?
You should immediately let your healthcare provider know if you experience any of the following conditions:
- Trouble while breathing
- Unexpected gain of weight or swelling in the ankles
- Dizziness, fatigue, and bouts of confusion
- If the symptoms that you had before implanting a pacemaker come back again.
Can one lead an everyday life after a pacemaker is implanted?
A pacemaker can improve one's daily life. Once a pacemaker is implanted, one will need regular visits to the doctor
Does a pacemaker stop heart failure?
A pacemaker can slow down the progression of heart failure. It may help you keep out of the ospital and live longer.
How long can a person survive with a pacemaker?
The life expectancy of a person who has a pacemaker depends on several factors. The most important factors that are considered are a person's age and health conditions. People who have few or less-severe health concerns usually survive longer.
Is implanting a pacemaker a major surgery?
Most pacemakers are implanted under the skin of the chest. The procedure to implant a pacemaker is a minor surgery that is done under local anesthesia.
Can pacemakers be removed?
Occasionally, pacemakers must be removed. With the increase in implanted devices, removal of the devices is required more frequently.
Is having a pacemaker permanent?
A temporary pacemaker is used to stabilize the heartbeat in the short term. This might be needed in patients with physical trauma, infection after a heart attack, or heart surgery. However, if you have long-term problems with the heart, you may require a permanent pacemaker.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
Pacemakers improve the quality of life and prevent premature death for people with irregular heart rhythms. At Aster Hospitals, we aim to provide the best treatment to improve quality of life. The type of pacemaker to be implanted depends on the symptoms and the heart conditions that you may have. The following types of pacemakers are available:
Single-chamber pacemaker
This type of pacemaker has only one lead. This lead connects the pulse generator to only one chamber of the heart. A single-chamber pacemaker controls the heartbeat by connecting the lead to the right ventricle. Depending on your symptoms and the type of pacing, the lead is connected to the right atrium to stimulate pacing in that chamber.
Dual-chamber pacemaker
This pacemaker comes with two leads, placed in two chambers of the heart, the right atrium and the right ventricle. The experts program the dual-chamber pacemaker to regulate the pace of contractions in both chambers. This pacemaker helps both chambers to function together, contracting and relaxing at the same rhythm.
Biventricular pacemaker
This pacemaker has three leads that are attached to both the ventricles and the right atrium. It helps treat people with arrhythmias, especially in those who have advanced heart failure.
For many heart failure patients, both pumps do not pump blood simultaneously. The doctors usually program the biventricular pacemaker to coordinate the contractions in both ventricles so that they can pump blood together.
At Aster Hospitals, we ensure our patients get the latest treatment modality and lead healthy lives. The readily available tests and amenities at Aster Hospitals will help you lead an everyday life. The doctors at Aster Hospitals will take care of your treatment protocol, and you need not worry about it.
