Pacemakers Save Lives

A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device implanted in the chest to help regulate a slow or irregular heartbeat. It sends electrical impulses to the heart to ensure it beats at a normal rate.

Pacemakers are often recommended for individuals with bradycardia (a slow heart rate) or other conditions causing an abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

What it does:

• Pacemakers monitor the heart's rhythm and deliver electrical impulses when needed to maintain a regular heartbeat.

• They can prevent or treat a heartbeat that is too slow, too fast, or irregular.

• The electrical impulses help the heart muscle contract and pump blood effectively. 

Why it's needed:

• Pacemakers are typically implanted when the heart's natural electrical system isn't working properly. 

• Common reasons include bradycardia (slow heart rate), which can cause symptoms like fainting, dizziness, or fatigue. 

• They can also be used to manage conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart failure, where the heart's rhythm is irregular or inefficient. 

Types of pacemakers:

• Single-chamber: Uses one lead to pace either the upper or lower chamber of the heart.

• Dual-chamber: Uses two leads to pace both the upper and lower chambers, mimicking the natural electrical flow of the heart.

• Biventricular pacemakers (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy - CRT): Used in some cases of heart failure, these devices help coordinate the contractions of the left and right ventricles of the heart. 

Implantation and Life Expectancy:

• Pacemaker implantation is generally a safe procedure with a low risk of complications. 

• The procedure involves inserting the pacemaker (usually under the collarbone) and threading the leads through a vein into the heart. 

• Pacemaker batteries typically last 5 to 10 years, or even longer, and the device can be replaced when the battery runs out. 

• The life expectancy of a person with a pacemaker depends on factors like their age and overall health, but many individuals with pacemakers can live a normal or near-normal lifespan.