For decades, the diagnosis of a heart problem meant either an eventual death sentence or a sharply altered life where your regular routine would be completely upended. Technology today ensures that this is no longer the case, and many heart problems can actually be dealt with very easily. A pacemaker is one way that doctors can make this happen.
For a person to truly understand pacemakers, they need to know at least the simplest inner workings of the heart. Basically, it uses electrical pulses to pump blood through all your veins so that all the rest of your body parts function properly. If these signals are interrupted or stop working at their regular pace, it could mean big health troubles.
If a doctor recommends pacemakers, it is likely due to an abnormal heartbeat, referred to as an arrhythmia in medical terms. The unsteady beat could cause less blood flow and even organ failure if it is really serious and goes untreated. Most patients suffer from dizzy spells, fainting, and even chronic fatigue that makes it hard to live a normal life.
If you are exhibiting the signs of a heartbeat issue, your doctor may run a series of tests. An EKG is one of the most popular because it is easy and painless to the patient. It involves a machine that registers and records all of the electrical activity going on in your heart, showing its rhythm.
An echocardiography, also called an echo for short, involves using waves of sound to record the functions and flow. It also measures the shape and size or everything, including the chambers and valves and makes sure they are working properly.
A stress test is done on people who are strong enough to exercise. They are fitted with sensors that record their heartbeat while working out, usually on a treadmill. You might also be given a special medicine cocktail to raise the beat and perform the test.
If you do need the device implanted after these tests, it is a common procedure that requires two incisions. One is near the shoulder, where wires are inserted into the heart. Then a second in the abdomen that has the box and battery, which is in turn connected to the wires to regular the heartbeat and make you feel better.
The staff will insist that you stay overnight so they can keep an eye on the incision and your temperature to ensure you do not get a dangerous infection. They will also advise that you stay in bed or take it easy for a month or longer after the surgery so that your body and your heart recover properly.
There are some pratfalls to pacemakers, the biggest one being changing your cell phone use. Electrical devices like cell phones or even microwaves can cause the device to react badly, which puts you at risk. Do not store your phone in your shirt pocket, and try to keep it away from the box as much as possible. This will ensure the box continues to function properly.
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