Description of the procedure
A pacemaker is a small battery-powered electronic device that is surgically implanted, usually in your chest, to monitor your heart rate. If your heart rate is below a pre-determined point, the pacemaker will send an electrical signal to your heart in order to cause it to beat. This device is used mainly to prevent your heart from beating too slowly.
A pacemaker device implanted into the chest. Note the lead wire is inserted into the heart through a large vein.
When should this procedure be performed?
Your doctor will decide when this procedure is required.
Why is this procedure performed?
When the heart no longer beats with a normal rhythm, a doctor may suggest a pacemaker. People who require a pacemaker need it because their heartbeats have become too slow. This reduced heart rate may happen for a number of reasons:
- aging
- damage to the heart muscle from a heart attack
- problems with the heart's electrical system
- use of certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers)
A slow heart rate, also called bradycardia, can have a major impact on a person's daily activities. Household chores, exercise, and other normal activities can lead to dizziness, fainting, and fatigue because of the poor blood and oxygen supply to the body.
Are there any risks and precautions I should know about?
Bleeding and infection are the main risks associated with this procedure. Although rare, some complications of the procedure include:
- clotting
- damage to the blood vessel and heart muscle
- stroke
- heart attack
- puncture of the lung and collapse