For decades, the diagnosis of a heart problem meant either an eventual death sentence or a sharply altered life where your regular routine would be completely upended. Technology today ensures that this is no longer the case, and many heart problems can actually be dealt with very easily. A pacemaker is one way that doctors can make this happen.
To really understand why people even need pacemakers in the first place, you have to understand how the human heart works. Your heart keeps blood pumping throughout your body, and every heartbeat sends electrical signals to do this. If these signals become weak or stop altogether, it could be serious or even fatal.
These devices are mostly used to help correct a condition known as an arrhythmia, which means that the heartbeat is not going at a normal pace. This can cause all kinds of issues such as fainting, dizziness, and fatigue, some or all of which could be chronic, depending on how serious it is. Those who have one and do not seek treatment could die.
If you are exhibiting the signs of a heartbeat issue, your doctor may run a series of tests. An EKG is one of the most popular because it is easy and painless to the patient. It involves a machine that registers and records all of the electrical activity going on in your heart, showing its rhythm.
An echocardiography, also called an echo for short, involves using waves of sound to record the functions and flow. It also measures the shape and size or everything, including the chambers and valves and makes sure they are working properly.
For patients who are still active and can run on a treadmill, they may ask them to do so with sensors attached, also called a stress test. For those who cannot run because of fatigue, they can drink medicine that increases heart rate for a similar effect.
Once it is decided you do need one, you will go through a surgery that takes a few hours of time. During the surgery, a needle is put into a vein near your shoulder. The wires of the device are strung though and placed on the heart itself. Then a small incision is made in your chest and a small metal box is inserted and connected to the wires.
You will have to stay at least one day and night so the staff can keep an eye on you and make sure you do not get an infection or that the device does not malfunction. You may experience some pain and tenderness in the incision area, but nothing that some over the counter medicine cannot help. You should scale back work and other activities for at least a month as your body adjusts.
There are some pratfalls to pacemakers, the biggest one being changing your cell phone use. Electrical devices like cell phones or even microwaves can cause the device to react badly, which puts you at risk. Do not store your phone in your shirt pocket, and try to keep it away from the box as much as possible. This will ensure the box continues to function properly.
To really understand why people even need pacemakers in the first place, you have to understand how the human heart works. Your heart keeps blood pumping throughout your body, and every heartbeat sends electrical signals to do this. If these signals become weak or stop altogether, it could be serious or even fatal.
These devices are mostly used to help correct a condition known as an arrhythmia, which means that the heartbeat is not going at a normal pace. This can cause all kinds of issues such as fainting, dizziness, and fatigue, some or all of which could be chronic, depending on how serious it is. Those who have one and do not seek treatment could die.
If you are exhibiting the signs of a heartbeat issue, your doctor may run a series of tests. An EKG is one of the most popular because it is easy and painless to the patient. It involves a machine that registers and records all of the electrical activity going on in your heart, showing its rhythm.
An echocardiography, also called an echo for short, involves using waves of sound to record the functions and flow. It also measures the shape and size or everything, including the chambers and valves and makes sure they are working properly.
For patients who are still active and can run on a treadmill, they may ask them to do so with sensors attached, also called a stress test. For those who cannot run because of fatigue, they can drink medicine that increases heart rate for a similar effect.
Once it is decided you do need one, you will go through a surgery that takes a few hours of time. During the surgery, a needle is put into a vein near your shoulder. The wires of the device are strung though and placed on the heart itself. Then a small incision is made in your chest and a small metal box is inserted and connected to the wires.
You will have to stay at least one day and night so the staff can keep an eye on you and make sure you do not get an infection or that the device does not malfunction. You may experience some pain and tenderness in the incision area, but nothing that some over the counter medicine cannot help. You should scale back work and other activities for at least a month as your body adjusts.
There are some pratfalls to pacemakers, the biggest one being changing your cell phone use. Electrical devices like cell phones or even microwaves can cause the device to react badly, which puts you at risk. Do not store your phone in your shirt pocket, and try to keep it away from the box as much as possible. This will ensure the box continues to function properly.
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