pacemakeres

Pacemakers are small, battery-powered electronic devices that are surgically implanted to help regulate a slow or irregular heartbeat. They send electrical impulses to the heart muscle, causing it to contract and pump blood. This process helps maintain a consistent heart rate and rhythm.

The most common reason for needing a pacemaker is bradycardia, a condition where the heart beats too slowly. Other indications include heart block, where electrical signals within the heart are delayed or interrupted, and certain types of heart failure. Pacemakers can also be used to treat arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms.

A pacemaker consists of a pulse generator, which houses the battery and electronic circuitry, and one or more leads, which are wires that connect the generator to the heart. The leads are threaded through veins and positioned in one or more chambers of the heart. When the pacemaker detects an abnormal heart rhythm, it sends an electrical signal through the leads to stimulate the heart muscle.

The implantation procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. The pulse generator is usually placed under the skin in the chest, just below the collarbone. Recovery is generally quick, and most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks. Pacemakers require regular check-ups to ensure they are functioning correctly and to monitor battery life. When the battery eventually depletes, the pulse generator can be replaced in a minor procedure.