In the past, when people were told they had heart issues, they would go home and write out their will, sure that it meant they were halfway to the grave. Then medical technology took off in a big way, and is improving everyday. Now, with the help of a pacemaker, some issues can be dealt with so that you can live a normal, healthy life for years to come.
In order to figure out who might need pacemakers or why, it is important to understand the human heart. It pumps blood through your body to keep you alive, but the way it does so is quite complex, involving a series of electric signals. Problems occur when the signals do not work properly or stop working altogether, which is dangerous.
These devices are mostly used to help correct a condition known as an arrhythmia, which means that the heartbeat is not going at a normal pace. This can cause all kinds of issues such as fainting, dizziness, and fatigue, some or all of which could be chronic, depending on how serious it is. Those who have one and do not seek treatment could die.
Any doctor who sees a patient who has the telltale signs of an arrhythmia will have tests run to see if their suspicions are correct. This may mean an EKG, which is quick and painless for the patient, which is why it is so commonly done. The doctor gets a recording of all electrical action in the heart.
The Echo, or echocardiography, is another test the doctor may run. This one uses uses sound waves to take a measurement of the size and shape of the heart, as well as a snapshot of the blood flow and function as well.
The doctor may also prescribe a stress test, which records heart rate while it is active. If you are well enough, you will have to exercise on a treadmill to get it pumping. If not, a medicine can be administered to give your heart a similar, elevated beat.
The surgery required should the tests prove you need the device is in two parts. The first puts wires into your heart tissue, and requires an incision near the shoulder. The second incision is where the box and battery goes, near the chest area. The wires are connected to the box to make a complete circuit to help regulate the heartbeat.
This procedure requires that you stay overnight for observation and to help stave off infection. You will likely need some over the counter medication to help with a little pain or soreness, and will have to take it easy for at least a month afterwards to let your body fully recover from the surgery.
Another thing to look out for is anything with a magnetic field or electrical devices, as they could interfere with the operation of your new device. This includes cell phones, so try to use speakerphone when you can and do not put it in your shirt pocket or near where the device is implanted in order to stave off any adverse effects. Just remember to do what your doctor tells you and you are on your way to a better life.
In order to figure out who might need pacemakers or why, it is important to understand the human heart. It pumps blood through your body to keep you alive, but the way it does so is quite complex, involving a series of electric signals. Problems occur when the signals do not work properly or stop working altogether, which is dangerous.
These devices are mostly used to help correct a condition known as an arrhythmia, which means that the heartbeat is not going at a normal pace. This can cause all kinds of issues such as fainting, dizziness, and fatigue, some or all of which could be chronic, depending on how serious it is. Those who have one and do not seek treatment could die.
Any doctor who sees a patient who has the telltale signs of an arrhythmia will have tests run to see if their suspicions are correct. This may mean an EKG, which is quick and painless for the patient, which is why it is so commonly done. The doctor gets a recording of all electrical action in the heart.
The Echo, or echocardiography, is another test the doctor may run. This one uses uses sound waves to take a measurement of the size and shape of the heart, as well as a snapshot of the blood flow and function as well.
The doctor may also prescribe a stress test, which records heart rate while it is active. If you are well enough, you will have to exercise on a treadmill to get it pumping. If not, a medicine can be administered to give your heart a similar, elevated beat.
The surgery required should the tests prove you need the device is in two parts. The first puts wires into your heart tissue, and requires an incision near the shoulder. The second incision is where the box and battery goes, near the chest area. The wires are connected to the box to make a complete circuit to help regulate the heartbeat.
This procedure requires that you stay overnight for observation and to help stave off infection. You will likely need some over the counter medication to help with a little pain or soreness, and will have to take it easy for at least a month afterwards to let your body fully recover from the surgery.
Another thing to look out for is anything with a magnetic field or electrical devices, as they could interfere with the operation of your new device. This includes cell phones, so try to use speakerphone when you can and do not put it in your shirt pocket or near where the device is implanted in order to stave off any adverse effects. Just remember to do what your doctor tells you and you are on your way to a better life.
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