- What the pacemaker is for and how it works
- When it is indicated to have a pacemaker
- How is the surgery done
- Care after surgery
The cardiac pacemaker is a small device placed surgically next to the heart or below the breast that serves to regulate the heart beat, when it is compromised.
The pacemaker can be temporary, when placed only for a period of time to treat cardiac changes caused by overdose of drugs, for example, or it can be permanent, when it is placed to control long-term problems such as sinus node disease.
What the pacemaker is for and how it works
The pacemaker continuously monitors the heart and identifies irregular, slow or interrupted beats, sending an electrical stimulus to the heart and regulating the beating.
The pacemaker operates on batteries, which last an average of 5 years, but there are cases in which its duration is slightly shorter. Whenever the battery is near the end, it must be replaced by a small local surgery.
When it is indicated to have a pacemaker
The implementation of the pacemaker is indicated by the cardiologist when the person has any disease that causes a decrease in heart rate, such as sinus node disease, atrioventricular block, hypersensitivity of the carotid sinus or others that affect the regularity of the heart beat.
Understand more about sinus bradycardia and what are the main symptoms.
How is the surgery done
Surgery for cardiac pacemaker placement is simple and quick. It is done under general anesthesia, but a complementary sedation can be administered to the patient to make him more comfortable during the procedure. A small cut is made in the chest or abdomen to place the device, which consists of two wires, called electrodes, and a generator or battery. The generator is responsible for providing energy and allowing the electrodes to function, which has the function of identifying any change in the heartbeat and generating impulses to regulate the heartbeat.
Care after surgery
As it is a simple procedure, the person can already go home the day after the surgery. However, it is important to take a rest in the first month and consult your cardiologist regularly. In addition, it is important to avoid bumps on the device, avoid sudden movements involving the arm on the side where the pacemaker was placed, stay about 2 meters away from the microwave connected and avoid using the cell phone on the same side as the pacemaker. See what life is like after the pacemaker is fitted and the care that must be taken with the device.
People who have a pacemaker on their chest can have a normal life, only avoiding great efforts in the first 3 months after its placement, however when entering a gym, whenever they go to a medical consultation of any specialty or if they are going to do it Physiotherapy should mention that it has a pacemaker, as this device may suffer interference in the vicinity of some machines.
