Written By: Mrs. Mayuri Mathur

Published On: 09 Feb, 2023 4:23 PM | Updated On: 15 May, 2024 5:08 PM

Increasing Survival Rate By Placing Pacemakers

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, affecting people of all ages. One of the most common treatments for heart disease is the placement of a pacemaker, a small device that helps regulate the heart's rhythm. Pacemaker placement has been shown to improve survival rates in patients with certain types of heart disease. 

This article will explore the science behind pacemaker placement and its role in increasing survival rates.

What is a Pacemaker?

Pacemakers are typically used to treat heart conditions, heart-rate fluctuations, and heart electrical system problems. They are small electronic devices surgically implanted into the chest and connected to the heart, providing electrical stimulation to regulate the heart rate when necessary. 

The pacemaker is assembled with a generator, a wire lead, and a sensing system. The generator is a small device that contains a battery and a computer chip. The generator is implanted in the body and is responsible for creating and sending electrical signals to the heart. The wire lead is a thin wire that connects the generator to the heart muscle. The sensing system is a set of electrodes that monitor the heart rate and detect any problems.

How Does a Pacemaker Work?

A pacemaker detects when the heart rate is too slow or too fast and sends electrical signals to the heart muscle to make it contract and pump blood. The electrical impulse is generated by a small generator within the pacemaker and is sent to the heart through one or more wires called leads. These leads are placed in the heart and help to stimulate the heart's contractions.

When the pacemaker is turned on, it continuously monitors the heart rate and sends electrical signals to the heart muscle to keep it beating at the right speed. The pacemaker also has the ability to detect any changes in the heart rate, make adjustments as needed and help the heartbeat at the correct pace. This process is called pacing.

Who is a Candidate for Pacemaker Placement?

Pacemaker placement is typically recommended for patients with certain types of heart disease, including bradycardia and heart block. Additionally, doctors may recommend pacemaker placement for patients with other types of heart disease, such as heart failure, or those who have had a heart attack.

Other conditions that may require pacemaker placement include:

● Atrial fibrillation

● Atrioventricular block

● Sick sinus syndrome

● Syncope

Patients with symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain may be candidates for pacemaker placement. A thorough evaluation by a cardiologist is necessary to determine if pacemaker placement is the right treatment option for a patient.

How Does Pacemaker Placement Increase Survival Rates?

Pacemaker placement can increase survival rates in several ways. 

1. First, by regulating the heart's rhythm, pacemakers can help to improve the heart's efficiency, leading to improved blood flow and oxygenation to the body's tissues. 

1. Additionally, pacemakers can help to reduce the risk of serious complications, such as heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac arrest.

1. Pacemaker placement can also improve the quality of life for patients with heart disease. It can relieve fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain and help patients return to normal activities.

The Procedure of Pacemaker Placement

Pacemaker placement is a relatively simple and safe procedure. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete. 

Before the procedure, the patient will have a thorough evaluation by a cardiologist to determine if pacemaker placement is the appropriate treatment option. This will include a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and other tests such as an echocardiogram or a chest x-ray.

The patient will also be instructed to stop taking certain medications and fast for a certain period before the procedure. They will also be given instructions on preparing for the procedure, including what to wear and how to care for the incision site after the process.

During the procedure, the pacemaker and leads are inserted through a small incision in the chest or abdomen and then connected to the heart. 

After the procedure, the patient will be monitored in the recovery room for some time. They may experience discomfort and swelling at the incision site, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

The patient must follow up with their doctor for regular check-ups to ensure the pacemaker is working correctly. The doctor will also perform regular tests to ensure the pacemaker is functioning correctly and that the patient's heart rhythm is stable.

What are the risks and side effects of pacemaker placement?

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with pacemaker placement. These include infection, bleeding, and allergic reactions to the anesthesia. In rare cases, the pacemaker or leads may need to be removed or replaced. However, the risks associated with pacemaker placement are generally low and most patients experience little to no complications.

It is important to note that pacemaker batteries have a limited lifespan and will need to be replaced once the battery is depleted.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, Pacemaker placement is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with certain types of heart disease. It helps regulate the heart's rhythm, improve efficiency, and increase survival rates. Pacemaker placement can also enhance the quality of life for patients with heart disease. The procedure is simple and straightforward, with low risk and side effects. Patients need a thorough evaluation by a cardiologist to determine if pacemaker placement is the right treatment option for them and to follow up with regular check-ups to ensure its effective functioning.