People who need a pacemaker typically have a heart that beats too slowly, pauses, or beats irregularly, leading to symptoms like fainting or fatigue.
Pacemakers are small, battery-powered devices implanted under the skin, usually near the collarbone. They send electrical signals to the heart to help it maintain a regular rhythm. Here's a breakdown of the reasons why someone might need a pacemaker:
Reasons for Pacemaker Implantation
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Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate): This is the most common reason. If the heart beats too slowly (typically less than 60 beats per minute), it can't pump enough blood to the body, causing:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Fainting (Syncope)
- Shortness of breath
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Heart Block: A heart block occurs when the electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm are blocked or delayed. This can lead to a slow or irregular heartbeat.
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Sick Sinus Syndrome: This is a group of heart rhythm disorders where the sinus node (the heart's natural pacemaker) doesn't work properly. It can cause:
- Slow heart rate
- Alternating slow and fast heart rates
- Pauses in heart rhythm
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Tachycardia-Bradycardia Syndrome: Some people experience periods of both abnormally fast (tachycardia) and abnormally slow (bradycardia) heart rates. A pacemaker can help control the slow heart rates.
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Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) with Slow Ventricular Rate: While pacemakers don't directly treat atrial fibrillation, they can be used in conjunction with medications that slow the heart rate, especially if the medication causes the heart rate to become too slow.
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After Heart Surgery: Some individuals may require a temporary or permanent pacemaker after heart surgery to ensure a stable heart rhythm during recovery.
How Pacemakers Help
Pacemakers work by:
- Monitoring the heart's electrical activity.
- Detecting when the heart rate is too slow or irregular.
- Sending electrical impulses to stimulate the heart to beat at a normal rate.
Modern pacemakers are often "on-demand," meaning they only deliver electrical impulses when the heart rate falls below a set threshold.
In summary, pacemakers are primarily for individuals experiencing symptoms due to a slow, paused, or irregular heartbeat where the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to meet the body's needs.
