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More than a million people worldwide lead full, healthy lives with the assistance of a pacemaker, a device that artificially regulates the heart's rhythm.
Life with a pacemaker entails the creation of electrical stimuli by a natural heart pacemaker. These electrical stimuli trigger contractions and relaxations of the heart muscle, enabling the blood to circulate throughout the various organs and systems of the body. Sometimes, the natural pacemaker's activity becomes disrupted, resulting in changes in heart rhythm. These changes can manifest as irregular or slow heartbeats or a deceleration in heart rate. In such cases, there may be palpitations, a general feeling of discomfort, loss of consciousness, and a risk of cardiac arrest. In such a scenario, doctors may recommend the implantation of a permanent artificial pacemaker.
An artificial pacemaker is essentially a small computer, similar in size to a large coin, weighing approximately 30 grams. It is powered by a battery and, with the help of specialized electrical electrodes inserted into different chambers of the heart, detects the heart's electrical activity and transmits this information to a computer. In cases where the heart's rhythm is not normal, the computer sends instructions to deliver electrical impulses to the heart through these electrodes. By monitoring the heart's electrical activity and heart rate, the doctor can adjust the pacemaker's activity to the individual needs of each patient.
There are various types of pacemakers available, depending on the patient's requirements. Some pacemakers provide electrical stimulation to the heart when the heart rate is too slow or irregular. Others can accelerate or decelerate heart rate based on physical activity levels, respiratory rate, temperature, and more.
Pacemaker implantation is typically a straightforward medical procedure with minimal complications. The patient undergoes anesthesia, and the area to be incised (usually in the chest, near the shoulder) is shaved and sterilized. The surgeon makes a small incision, usually a few centimeters long, in the implantation area. Then, using X-ray guidance, the surgeon inserts a needle into a large vein and guides the electrodes into the heart chambers. The electrode placement is monitored under X-ray. Once the electrodes are in place, the surgeon threads the pacemaker through the incision and connects it to the electrodes. After verifying the pacemaker's functionality, the incision is closed with sutures. These sutures are typically removed about a week after the procedure.
The entire procedure usually takes around one to two hours.
After the implantation, patients may experience mild discomfort and soreness in the surgical area. It is recommended to rest in the days immediately following the procedure and gradually return to normal activities based on physical well-being and medical guidance. Until the sutures are removed, it's advisable to avoid strenuous physical exertion, lifting the arm above shoulder level, soaking the incision, and engaging in other strenuous activities.
In most cases, patients report returning to normal activities, including work, sports, sexual activity, and more, within about three weeks from the date of the procedure.
Following pacemaker implantation, immediate medical attention should be sought in cases of the following symptoms:
It is recommended that individuals with a pacemaker avoid close proximity or prolonged contact with devices that emit strong magnetic fields, such as cellular phones, microwave ovens, high-voltage power lines, metal detectors, and more. Prolonged exposure to these devices may interfere with the pacemaker's operation.
Many experts advise not placing the mobile phone in the chest pocket or jacket and using the phone on the opposite ear from the pacemaker's location.
It is important to inform airport security personnel if you have a pacemaker.
Various medical procedures can also disrupt pacemaker activity, so it is essential to inform doctors, dentists, and medical technicians about the presence of a pacemaker before any medical procedure.
Heart rate should be measured at the recommended frequency by doctors, and patients should receive precise instructions on how to measure their heart rate before discharge from the hospital.
It is essential to take prescribed medications as instructed by the doctor.
Engaging in moderate physical activity daily is recommended.
Monitoring the pacemaker's proper functioning should be done regularly, as per the doctor's recommendations.
The pacemaker battery typically lasts an average of 6-7 years (ranging from 5 to 15 years, depending on pacemaker activity). It is crucial to avoid strong pressure in the implantation area.
