The heart is one of the most important organs of the human body. Not only do you need it to survive, but it also plays a vital role in keeping your body clean from all kinds of metabolic waste. That is why the smallest problems with its rhythmic function can be alarming.
Whether your heart beats too fast or too slow, it can adversely affect your blood flow, causing the body to suffer as a consequence. That is why cardiologists often refer a pacemaker for Afib patients to help regulate the heart’s rhythm. To learn more about the features of a pacemaker and how it helps restart your heartbeat, keep reading this blog.
What is a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a tiny electronic device that is implanted under your skin near the chest. Its ultimate purpose is to regulate the heart’s rhythm when it slows down. Although, in some cases, depending on the severity of the case, a pacemaker might also be used to slow down a fast heartbeat (tachycardia).
Moreover, due to its minimal build and size, there is no discomfort or irritation when the pacemaker is inserted, making the entire process easy to manage. Pacemakers can also record the pulses sent out by your heart so that when the rhythm gets irregular, it can easily detect and correct it. This is done by sending out electrical pulses to the heart, forcing it to pump blood at a normal pace.
Does A Pacemaker Correct an Irregular Heartbeat?
Yes, the intent of a pacemaker is to correct an irregular heartbeat. More specifically, a heart whose rhythms are off balance and beats too slowly. This is a condition known as bradycardia and is related to atrial fibrillation.
If bradycardia is not treated in time, it can lead to frequent fainting, shortness of breath, and extreme chest pain. A pacemaker, then, is the perfect solution to maintain the regular rhythmic pattern of your heart. Even though it isn’t the cure, it can still be used to treat it over time.
Whenever the heart slows down or doesn’t pump blood in perfect symphony, the pacemaker sends electric signals to give it the push it needs. In addition, a pacemaker can be used as a permanent or temporary solution, based on the arrhythmia’s severity.
Where is Pacemaker Placed for AFib?
Typically, a pacemaker is inserted under your collarbone, right at the top of the collarbone. Since it’s incredibly compact in size, it slides right in, along with the battery and main monitor. There are also long wires that extend to the heart, connecting to the organ’s surface to help monitor it and give it the boost it needs.
Do’s & Don’ts
Underdoing a pacemaker surgery is not always sunshine and rainbows. Sure, for the most part, it makes your life better, but managing it can take some time to get used to. There are quite a few do’s and don’ts of the procedure to remember. For instance, once you get the pacemaker, you can’t partake in strenuous physical activities or use any kind of heavy machinery.
On the other hand, you can resume your daily life, even with a remote cardiac monitoring device inside the chest. Plus, after consulting with the doctor, you can still work out and participate in low-energy sports activities.
Conclusion
To summarize, a pacemaker works great for Afib. Usually, it is used to treat a heart that beats too slowly. However, in some cases, it can also be used for an abnormally fast heartbeats.
If you want to treat your arrhythmia, talk to your cardiologist and discuss remote monitoring devices. For more information on the matter, you can also contact Octagos Health at (281) 769-8733 or visit 13325 Hargrave Rd Suite 281, Houston, TX 77070, on the first floor of Hargrave Plaza.