Although it weighs just about an ounce, a pacemaker contains a powerful
battery, electronic circuits and computer memory that together generate
electronic signals. The signals, or pacing pulses, are carried along
thin, insulated wires, or leads, to the heart muscle. The signals cause
the heart muscle to begin the contractions that cause a heartbeat.
A pacemaker is implanted just below the collarbone in a procedure that
takes about two hours. It is programmed to stimulate the heart at a
pre-determined rate, and settings can be adjusted at any time. Routine
evaluation, sometimes even via telephone, ensures the pacemaker is
working properly and monitors battery life, which generally runs from
five to ten years.
When is a pacemaker needed?
The most common reason for a pacemaker is a heartbeat that slows to an
unhealthy rate, or bradycardia. A pacemaker resets the heart rate to an
appropriate pace, ensuring adequate blood and oxygen are delivered to
the brain and other parts of the body.
When are pacemakers used?
Pacemakers may be prescribed for a number of conditions, including:
Bradycardia - a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, causing
symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or fainting spells. Bradycardia may
be caused by the wear and tear of age or by conditions such as sick
sinus syndrome (SSS) or heart block.
Atrial fibrillation - a common heart rhythm disorder in which the upper
chambers of the heart beat rapidly and chaotically. Sometimes people
with atrial fibrillation can also have slow rhythms. Medicines used to
control atrial fibrillation may result in slow rhythms which are
treated by pacemakers.
Heart failure - a condition in which the heartbeat is not sufficient to
supply a normal volume of blood and oxygen to the brain and other parts
of the body. A special pacemaker can be carefully programmed to
increase the force of muscle contractions in the heart. This is called
"biventricular pacing" or "resynchronization" therapy.
Syncope - a condition best known as the common faint, is usually not
serious. Some patients faint when their heart rhythm becomes very slow.
For a small percentage of people who experience severe and frequent
fainting spells, a pacemaker may prevent the heart rate from slowing to
the point of fainting.
Baker-Gilmour
Cardiovascular Institute
3550 University Blvd. Suite 302
Jacksonville, Fl. 32216 Tel: 904-733-4444
Fax: 904-733-5377
Baker-Gilmour
Cardiovascular Institute
11701 San Jose Blvd. Suite 106
Mandarin, Fl. 32223 Tel: 904-880-0025
Fax: 904-880-8573
Baker-Gilmour
Cardiovascular Institute
16 St. John's Medical Park Dr.
St. Augustine, FL 32086 Tel: 904-794-7050
Fax: Call First
