What is a Pacemaker of the Heart?

Pacemaker for Heart: How It Works, Types & Key Benefits

A pacemaker helps your heart beat at the correct rhythm. It operates on a small battery and senses when your heart is beating too slowly. It can prevent dangerous situations from happening. The device is also known as a cardiac pacing device.

Why Do People Need Pacemakers?

Pacemakers are a lifesaver in many situations. If you have a history of heart attack, they can treat it by preventing arrhythmias (e.g., bradycardia) caused by heart damage. Moreover, they are useful in cases of heart blockage and heart failure. A pacemaker also helps to correct irregular heartbeats, known as arrhythmias.

Are you wondering whether you need a pacemaker? Talk to your healthcare professional about the surgery if you notice the following symptoms:

Breath shortness
Confusion
Dizziness
Angina or chest pain
Urinating multiple times at night
Heart palpitations
Unusually fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
Unusually slow heartbeat (bradycardia)

How Does a Pacemaker Work?

Pacemakers mimic your heart's electrical signals. Normally, your heart sends signals which determine which side will pump. However, conditions such as arrhythmia can cause it to malfunction. It is where this device comes in.

It sends low-energy electrical signals that control your heart’s rhythm and rate. Moreover, it can send this data to your doctor as well. Your cardiologist will interpret these results and suggest changes, if any.

What are the components of a pacemaker?

There are 3 parts of a pacemaker: leads, a pulse generator and an electrode. Let us explore what they are below:

Implantable Pulse Generator: The pulse generator sends a signal to the heart and stimulates the proper heart rate.
Leads: These are insulated wires connected to your heart. Leads carry the signal to your heart.
Electrodes: These are attached to your heart wall and deliver the electrical signal to your heart.

What are the Types of Pacemakers?

There are 3 kinds of pacemakers available, each with its own functions. They are as follows:

1 Biventricular Pacemaker

A biventricular pacemaker consists of 3 leads. They are connected to the right atrium (upper portion) and both ventricles (lower portion). It is also known as cardiac resynchronisation therapy or CRT.

Doctors suggest this if you are suffering from serious heart failure as a result of arrhythmia. This is because the ventricles, or the lower part of your heart, do not pump properly. Therefore, they coordinate the pacemaker so that both the ventricles beat at the same time.

2 Single Chamber Pacemaker

Generally connected to the upper portion (right atrium), this helps correct your heartbeat in one chamber only. Depending on the type of pacing that you require, your doctor will place the lead in your right atrium or ventricle.

The pulse generator senses your heartbeat and sends a signal, when necessary, to stimulate a heartbeat.

3 Dual-Chamber Pacemaker

It consists of two leads connected to the right atrium and ventricle. This is useful for patients whose hearts malfunction on both levels. Your cardiologist programs the device in a way that coordinates pacing for both the upper and lower portions of the heart.

This function allows blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle.

A pacemaker is an essential technology helping those with heart problems. With advancing technology, several versions of the device are coming out, with wireless being the most promising. If you sense any problems or symptoms, reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.