What are Pacemakers?

Pacemakers are implantable devices that are used to maintain the electrical system in the heart. They are typically inserted into the body after surgery. In addition to preventing issues that could jeopardize or disturb your life, they can settle irregular cardiac rhythms.

How do pacemakers function?

The electrical system in your heart regulates when each chamber of your heart gets a signal to contract. The chambers of your heart may beat in the incorrect sequence or with insufficient force to adequately pump blood throughout your body if there is an electrical system breakdown. Electrical impulses are utilized by pacemakers to remedy various types of problems.

Which conditions are treated by pacemakers?

A pacemaker can be used to treat the following conditions, though not exclusively:

• Certain arrhythmias (dysfunctions in the heart's regular beating mechanism).
• Electrical disturbances in your heart (heart blockages, for example).
• Cardiac arrest.
• Cardiac attack history.

Which symptoms indicate a necessity for a pacemaker?

The first step in finding out if you have health issues that can be resolved with a pacemaker is to discuss your worries or symptoms with your doctor. You should discuss the following symptoms with your healthcare provider:

• Chest pain is commonly referred to as angina.
• An abnormally rapid heartbeat—more than 100 beats per minute—is known as tachycardia, or "tacky-cardia."
• Braided heart rhythm (braid-y-cardia): An abnormally slow heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute.
• An irregular pulse or arrhythmia: a heartbeat that is irregular or has additional beats.
• Heart palpitations: These occur when you have an uncomfortable sensation when your heartbeat occurs (it may feel like your heart is hammering in your chest or "flip-flopping").
• Breathlessness, particularly during periods of increased activity.
• Nausea, fainting, or dizziness without a known cause.
• Unknown confusion
• Swelling in the abdomen, legs, and ankles.
• Having frequent nighttime urination needs.

Which kinds of pacemakers are there?

There are different types of pacemakers, with one to three wires (called leads) depending on the heart condition. Pacemaker types consist of:

• Leadless pacemaker: A tiny pacemaker that is placed using a catheter-based process, roughly the size of a large pill. There are no wires required for this gadget because it is affixed to the inside wall of your heart.
• A single cable that is fastened to just one heart chamber powers a single-chamber pacemaker.
• Two wires connected to each of the two heart chambers are used by a dual-chamber pacemaker.
• A biventricular pacemaker attaches to your heart using three wires: two of them go to the ventricles, the lower chambers, while the third one goes to the right atrium, the upper chamber. CRT, or cardiac resynchronization therapy, is another name for this.
• An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), which is comparable to this device, can be suggested by your healthcare professional. Despite not being a pacemaker, they are frequently used in conjunction with other cardiac disorders such as ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.

What distinguishes between an ICD and a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker can regulate your heart's rhythm by sending electrical impulses, but it is unable to shock your body into correcting an arrhythmia.

Modern implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are capable of detecting hazardous cardiac rhythms in addition to performing the same functions as a pacemaker. The ICD can shock you to return your heart to its regular rhythm if it detects them.

Does it require a lot of surgery?

Depending on the kind of pacemaker being used, you will either have a surgical, vein-based, or catheter-based procedure. Surgeons are now more knowledgeable about these methods. They have therefore been improved. The goal is to help you feel less pain, heal faster, and get back to your life sooner.

• Catheter-based approach: Leadless pacemakers only address problems with one chamber of the heart; hence this technique is utilized with them. A catheter, or tube-like device, is inserted by a specialist into an artery, generally close to your groin, and threaded up to your heart. It is connected to the wall of your heart after it is within.
• Transvenous (through a vein) approach: Adults use this method all the time. During this procedure, a physician creates a tiny incision to access a vein near your heart. This kind of vein usually runs from your neck down your arm or under your collarbone. The physician threads the lead or wires into your vein and attaches them to a precise spot on your heart using a type of X-ray called fluoroscopy. The pacemaker device, which is placed into a tiny "pocket" under your upper breast skin, will then have the lead(s) attached to it.
• Surgical-based (epicardial) approach: Your surgeon makes a tiny incision in your chest, puts the lead or leads through it, and then fastens the lead or leads to your heart. The lead(s) is/are then connected to the pacemaker by the surgeon. The pacemaker is implanted into a "pocket" that is located beneath your abdominal skin.
  Procedures utilizing catheters take an hour or less. It takes two to five hours for the transvenous and surgical methods. What is ideal for you will be explained by your healthcare practitioner.

What are the potential benefits?

The purpose of a pacemaker is to prolong your life and avoid interruptions brought on by cardiac issues. The benefits consist of:

• Reducing the number of symptoms associated with irregular cardiac rhythm, including Preserve nausea, palpitations, disorientation, chest pain, and more.
• Avoiding uncomfortable symptoms like fainting that arise from arrhythmias.
• Preserve your life by averting cardiac arrest.

What is the duration of pacemaker battery life?

These days, pacemakers can last up to 10 or 15 years, depending on the particular model and how frequently it needs to support your heart. In addition to setting up follow-up appointments to monitor the battery level in your pacemaker, your healthcare professional can tell you the approximate lifespan of the device you will receive. In most cases, replacing a pacemaker battery is also less complicated than implanting the device initially.

How long does a person with a pacemaker expect to live?

The patient's age and general health at the time of implantation are the two main factors that affect how long a pacemaker will last. People who have a normal or near-normal life expectancy are more likely to live longer and have fewer or less serious health problems.

When should I call the doctor?

If you have a pacemaker implanted, it's crucial to manage your health and be aware of your symptoms. Your healthcare provider may prescribe additional medications, so be sure to understand the dosage and duration. Ask questions if you don't understand.

Follow-up visits are scheduled to check your overall health and ensure your pacemaker is functioning correctly. Pay attention to your pulse, as it may vary outside the recommended range. If your pulse is too fast or too slow, call your healthcare provider. If you experience breathing difficulties, unexpected weight gain, swelling in your ankles and lower legs, dizziness, fainting, confusion, or symptoms similar to before the pacemaker was implanted, contact your healthcare provider.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Pacemakers?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced cardiologists & cardiac surgeons in Lucknow, India. We provide advanced cardiac care with modern catheter lab facilities and a caring medical team. Our focus on patients ensures safety, precision, and faster recovery. This makes us one of the best Pacemakers/CSP implantation hospitals in Lucknow, India.

To seek an expert consultation for Pacemakers Implantation in Lucknow, India

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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