What Are Pacemakers and How Do They Work?

Did you know up to 3 million people in the US have pacemakers? Pacemakers are a safe option used to treat different types of heart arrhythmias.

If you’re worried about getting a pacemaker, it helps to understand more about what they do, and how they’re placed. Before you know it, you’ll be much more at ease.

Keep reading to learn all you need to know about pacemakers and how they can help you!

What Is a Pacemaker?

Your heart has an electrical system that tells the heart chambers when to squeeze and contract. If your heart’s electrical system malfunctions, your heart chambers can squeeze or contract in the wrong order and not supply enough blood to your body.

A pacemaker of the heart is a small device placed in your body to regulate your heart’s electrical system, which normalizes your heart rate.

Types of Pacemakers

There are different types of pacemakers you can get, depending on the heart condition you have. The most common types of pacemakers include:

• A leadless pacemaker attaches to the inner wall of your heart and doesn’t use any wires
• A single-chamber pacemaker has one wire that attaches to one chamber of your heart
• A dual-chamber pacemaker has two wires that attach to two chambers of your heart

Finally, a biventricular pacemaker uses two wires that attach to the lower chambers of your heart and a third white that connects to the upper chamber of your heart. 

Conditions a Pacemaker Can Treat

There are different reasons for needing a pacemaker, but the most common reason is when your heart beats too slowly, also known as bradycardia.

Pacemakers also treat arrhythmias that cause your heart to beat too fast like atrial tachycardia. You might also need a pacemaker to regulate your heart rhythm if you have other conditions including:

• History of a heart attack
• Congestive heart failure 
• Heart block
• Atrial Fibrillation or an irregular heart rhythm

Pacemaker Surgery

The type of surgery you’ll get depends on the type of pacemaker you need. For leadless pacemakers, you’ll have a catheter inserted into an artery near your groin that leads to your heart. The leadless pacemaker is guided into the proper position through the catheter.

Pacemakers with wires are often placed through a vein near your heart via a small incision. Your surgeon will thread the wires through the vein and attach them to your heart. The pacemaker itself lies under a pocket of skin in your upper chest.

Finally, you might require a surgery-based approach. The pacemaker wires are attached to your heart through a small incision in your chest. 

Talk to Your Doctor Today

Now you know about pacemakers, the prospect of getting one won’t be as scary. Make sure to talk to your doctor to get all the information you need.

A pacemaker can dramatically improve your life, and before you know it, you’ll be back to doing the activities you love.

If you’re ready to learn more, check out our blog to learn more health and fitness tips to improve your life!