adovr_d87389c80da99bef8f38776d3f905184 Articles medical and health: Information On Pacemaker Placement Patients Should Know

Information On Pacemaker Placement Patients Should Know

By Laura Fox


The normal heart is controlled by electrical discharge originating from an area known as the sinoatrial node. The discharge flows from the atria to the ventricles and culminates in ventricular contraction. The contraction pumps blood to the large arteries and the cycle starts all over again. In some cases, the node is not discharging normally resulting into abnormal rate and rhythm. An artificial pacemaker will be needed in such a case to restore normalcy.

The main indication of heart pacers in Princeton, NJ is to rectify abnormal heart rates and rhythms. The other benefits are secondary but beneficial nonetheless. Syncope (fainting episodes) is one of the consequences of abnormal rhythm. The rhythm causes deficiencies in blood supply to the brain every so often hence the fainting. The pacer helps to maintain a constant supply of blood. Other indications include congestive cardiac failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The decision to have the device will be made by the cardiologist. You will first be evaluated through a physical examination and investigations such as the echocardiogram and electrocardiogram. Once you have been identified as a suitable candidate, you will be prepared for the procedure. Part of the preparation includes shaving and the stoppage of any drugs and foods that may increase the risk of bleeding.

The process through which the pacer is inserted is fairly straightforward. Local or general anesthesia are used to minimize the pain. Once the area of interest has been numbed, a small cut is made on an area near the shoulder. The leads are then maneuvered to the heart through the guidance of an instrument known as a fluoroscope. This operation takes an average of 30 to 90 minutes. Antibiotics are usually administered to prevent infections.

The procedure is performed as a day case in most centers but overnight admission to hospital is not uncommon. The admission makes it possible for one to be monitored and to establish whether the device that was fitted is working well. Frequency adjustments are usually made if the rate is either too high or too low. A number of complications should be anticipated. These include infections, bleeding and damage to organs.

One needs to have regular medical checkups so as to determine whether the device is functioning properly. The frequency varies from one patient to another but the general recommendation is that the first full checkup should be scheduled at six weeks after the operation. Subsequent checkups are then scheduled at six months intervals except in cases where complications are anticipated. The main parameters to be evaluated include the sensing ability, the threshold and the lead integrity.

There is no need to change your lifestyle even after placement of the device. However, there are a number of precautions that should be undertaken. For instance, you should avoid taking part in full contact sports as well as any activities in which they are likely to come into contact with strong magnetic fields. There may be a need for antibiotics when some medical conditions are being conducted to prevent infection of the device.

Patients that have a pacer device inserted need to have an identification card with them at all times. This card contains vital personal information including the diagnosis, the cause of their problem and a copy of their electrocardiogram tracing. Other relevant information includes the center in which the operation was conducted, the date in which the pacer was manufactures, its model and lead types. This will make it possible for treatment to be provided in any other hospital.




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