PACEMAKER
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it?
- A pacemaker is a small device that helps regulate your heart beat. A pacemaker is about the size of a wristwatch. When your heart beats too slowly and makes you feel dizzy your caregiver may want you to have pacemaker. The pacemaker will make your heart beat at faster rate so that you no longer feel dizzy. In some instances, you may have arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are abnormal heartbeats. If you have arrhythmias, which cause a fast heart rate, a pacemaker can slow your heart rate down.
- A pacemaker is made up of leads (thin flexible wires) and a generator (battery). Getting a pacemaker involves having a procedure done. Most pacemakers work only when they are needed. These are called demand pacemakers. Other pacemakers work all the time. Your caregiver will decide which pacemaker is right for you.
Why do I need a pacemaker?
- Cardiomyopathy: This is when the heart has swollen up and cannot work properly.
What kinds of pacemaker are there? Pacemakers work when they need to or all of the time. There are 3 different kinds of pacemakers:
- Permanent: A permanent pacemaker is also called a long-term pacemaker. An incision (cut) is made in your neck or chest. The leads are guided through a vein into your heart, will have this type of pacemaker forever.
Transcutaneous: This pacemaker is also called an external pacemaker. It is used in emergency situations when your heart is beating too slowly. When this happens, your caregiver needs to speed up your heart rate quickly. Small sticky patches are applied to your chest, and leads are attached to these patches. At the end of the leads is a pacemaker with dials on it. These dials allow your caregiver to immediately adjust the settings of the pacemaker. This type of pacemaker is used for a short time. After a time, you may need to get need to get a permanent pacemaker, or you may not need a pacemaker anymore.
Transvenous: A transvenous pacemaker is also called a temporary pacemaker. The leads for the pacemaker are guided into your heart through an incision in your neck or chest. With a transvenous pacemaker, the generator is worn outside your body in a small pouch. You will carry this pouch you everywhere.
Your caregiver will decide which pacemaker is right for you.
How do I get a pacemaker?
- You will need a procedure to get a pacemaker unless you have a transcutaneous pacemaker. The procedure will take about 1 to 2 hours. The procedure may be done while you are already a patient in the hospital. You may also come into the hospital in the morning and go home after your procedure. Your caregiver will make this decision.
- In some cases, you or your caregiver may want you to be completely asleep during the procedure. In most cases, you will be awake, but very drowsy. An anesthesiologist (ah-iss-thee-z-ALL-o-jist) is a caregiver that gives medicine to make you sleepy and comfortable during your procedure.
- Your caregiver will give you intravenous medicine to help you relax. An incision will be made in your neck or chest. With the help of a special x-ray, the leads of the pacemaker will be guided into your heart. The leads may also be hooked to the outside of your heart. A pocket is made under your skin, usually just below your collarbone. This pocket is where the generator is placed. The leads are connected to the generator, and the pacemaker is programmed especially for the needs of your heart.
What does it feel like? Once the pacemaker is in you, you will not feel it watching your heart. You will be able to see and feel the outline of the pacemaker through your skin.
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