If you suffer from a heart condition, then you probably know what a pacemaker is. Although tiny, a pacemaker can help give your heart the push it needs in dire times.
Typically, it’s the people who suffer from heart arrhythmia who require a pacemaker transplant. But how exactly does a pacemaker work? Can you feel it tick inside of you? — To get the answers to all your questions, keep reading this blog.
How Does A Pacemaker Work?
A pacemaker is a remote heart monitoring device. Its purpose is to record the working conditions of your heart and help jumpstart it when needed. For instance, people with bradycardia suffer from a low heart rate. A pacemaker, in that case, records the activity of the heart.
Thus, when the heart falters or fails to beat in time, the pacemaker sends small electrical pulses to boost the organ. This, in turn, initiates a reaction that gets the heart to once again pump blood steadily.
Moreover, since the pacemaker gathers information about your heart’s activity, it can also forward that data to your doctor. It’s a feature that greatly helps doctors as it simplifies reviewing the patient’s condition and makes diagnosing and treating it easier.
Can You Feel A Pacemaker Working?
Most people are weary of getting a pacemaker simply because they are afraid of the device being uncomfortable or too obvious. However, once inserted, a pacemaker is barely any trouble.
Due to its minute size, you won’t even be able to feel the pacemaker there. Initially, there may be slight discomfort, but you will soon get used to it.
Not to mention, when the pacemaker is working or sending electrical pulses, it’s not quite noticeable. Rather than feeling the current overtake your heart, you will only feel your heart’s rhythm go from a faint thud to a proper rate.
That is to say, you won’t be able to tell when the pacemaker is working itself, but the change in your heartbeat might signal you to it. Nonetheless, patients often get used to this shift. Over time you won’t be as alert to the rhythmic change as before.
How Long Does A Pacemaker Last?
The lifespan of a pacemaker depends on how long the patient needs it. Usually, though, it can last for around 8 to 15 years. Since the pacemaker relies on a battery-powered generator, as long as that keeps running, the cardiac monitoring device will function perfectly.
In the case that the battery ends or runs out earlier than expected, the cardiologist will have to replace the pacemaker. That is, if the patient is still in need of it.
Conclusion
To summarize, a pacemaker works by sending short, electric pulses to your heart when it starts to falter. It keeps the rhythm of your heart at a regular pace, ensuring that the blood flow doesn’t get affected.
If you’re interested in getting a pacemaker or think you might be in need of one, contact Octagos Health for more information. You can call us at (281) 769-8733 or visit us on the first floor of the Hargrave Plaza, at 13325 Hargrave Rd Suite 281, Houston, TX 77070, United States.