The heart's natural rhythm is governed by a specialized group of cells called the sinoatrial (SA) node, often referred to as the pacemaker of the heart. Located in the right atrium, the upper chamber of the heart, the SA node generates electrical impulses that initiate each heartbeat. These impulses travel through specific pathways within the heart muscle, coordinating the contraction of the atria and ventricles, ensuring efficient blood flow throughout the body. When the SA node malfunctions or the electrical pathways are disrupted, the heart's rhythm can become irregular, too slow, or too fast. These arrhythmias can manifest in various ways, from occasional palpitations to more serious symptoms that affect daily life. In such cases, an artificial pacemaker can step in to regulate the heart's rhythm and restore its normal function.
A cardiac pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that is implanted under the skin, typically near the collarbone. It consists of two main components: the pulse generator and the leads. The pulse generator, housed in a titanium casing, contains the battery and the electronic circuitry that monitors the heart's electrical activity and generates electrical impulses. The leads are thin, insulated wires that connect the pulse generator to the heart muscle. They carry the electrical impulses from the generator to the heart, stimulating the heart to beat at a regular rate. The cardiac pacemaker works by continuously monitoring the heart's electrical activity. If it detects an irregular heartbeat, such as a slow heart rate (bradycardia) or a pause in the heart's rhythm, it sends out precisely timed electrical impulses to stimulate the heart muscle and trigger a contraction. This intervention ensures that the heart beats at a normal rate, maintaining adequate blood flow to the body's tissues and organs.
Modern pacemakers come in various types, each tailored to address specific cardiac conditions:
Several heart conditions can disrupt the heart's rhythm, making a pacemaker a viable treatment option:
Pacemaker surgery, also known as pacemaker implantation, is a relatively routine procedure performed under local anesthesia. The patient is given medication to relax them, and the area near the collarbone is numbed with local anesthetic. A small incision, typically about two inches long, is made near the collarbone. A vein is then punctured, and the leads are carefully guided through the vein into the heart. The leads are positioned in the appropriate chambers of the heart, and their placement is confirmed using fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray imaging. Once the leads are in place, they are connected to the pulse generator, which is then placed in a small pocket created under the skin near the collarbone. The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied. The pacemaker surgery usually takes about one to two hours, and most patients are discharged from the hospital the same day or the following day.
After pacemaker implantation, patients can generally return to their normal activities within a few days or weeks, although strenuous physical activity may be restricted for a period of time. Regular follow-up appointments with the cardiologist are essential to monitor the pacemaker's performance and make any necessary adjustments to its settings. Patients are advised to avoid strong magnetic fields, such as those produced by some electronic devices, as these can interfere with the pacemaker's function. It is also important to inform all healthcare providers, including doctors and dentists, about the presence of a pacemaker before any medical or dental procedures. Patients are typically given a card or bracelet that identifies them as having a pacemaker, which they should carry with them at all times.
Pacemaker technology has evolved significantly:
From Recent Advancements in Heart Care to Tips and Tricks to make your Heart Healthy Again, stay updated with reliable and informative blogs by our experts.
WhatsApp Us (24/7)
+91 9070902010 (24/7)
Previous
