What Is a Pacemaker Used For?

Dr.Ashish Agarwal, 2 mins read

A pacemaker is a novel, battery-powered device that helps the heart beat normally. This cardiac pacing device is helpful to those with irregular or slow heartbeat (Bradycardia). It’s also used in cases of heart failure, certain types of heart blocks, atrial fibrillation, or post-heart surgery. 

Anatomy of the Heart

The heart is the fist-sized organ that is vital for life. It pumps oxygenated blood throughout the body and brings back deoxygenated blood from the body. This muscular organ contains four separate chambers: Two on the top (Atria) and the other two on the bottom (Ventricles).  

Why Is a Pacemaker Required?

Our heart has a natural electrical system that controls all its activities. This electrical system is called the cardiac conduction system. You may have heard of the ECG (Electrocardiogram) test, which is a graphical picture of the heart’s electrical activity. 

Electrical signals, also known as electrical impulses, send signals through the heart chambers. These signals tell the heart when to beat.

A problem with the heart muscle can change the heart's natural signalling. Genetic changes or certain medicines can also cause such changes. 

These changes can lead to a slow or irregular heartbeat for a longer period (chronic). In such cases, a pacemaker works like a boon.

Types of Pacemakers

• Single Chamber: Sends signals to the lower right chamber of the heart. 
• Dual Chamber: Sends signals to the upper and lower right chambers of the heart.
• Biventricular: This type of pacemaker stimulates both upper and right chambers and is usually recommended to those with heart failure or a slow heartbeat.

How Does a Pacemaker Work?  

Traditional pacemakers have three parts: a generator, wires (leads), and sensors (electrodes). A generator produces safe electrical signals, which then travel to electrodes through wires. 

Electrodes are placed inside the affected chamber(s) to quickly correct the heart rhythm. These electrodes sense the irregular heartbeat and immediately send signals to the generator to produce electrical impulses. 

This device is placed under the skin near the collarbone or sometimes in the stomach area. This is done through a minimally invasive surgical procedure. 

Some new pacemakers are also coming with wireless technology. Wireless pacemakers are usually smaller than traditional ones. These devices don’t require surgery for placement. They can be placed through a catheter (Small tube) into the veins. Once in place, they start working whenever the heart needs (Demand pacemakers).

If you want to know more about pacemakers or need any help related to cardiac health, you can consult us at Aakash Healthcare.