Information On Pacemaker Placement Patients Should Know
by Laura Fox
A normal heart generates its own rate and rhythm at a specialized site known as the sinoatrial node. An electrical charge that is generated at this point is spread to the rest of the heart and eventually results in the contraction of the ventricles to pump the blood. This happens in an intermittent fashion to yield the characteristic heart rhythm. When node is affected by disease this does not happen and an artificial <a href="http://picheart.com">pacemaker</a> is needed.
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 surgery is usually made by the heart specialist after a thorough evaluation. This evaluation includes the taking of a medical history, conducting a physical examination and requesting for some investigations. Those that are most informative include the echocardiogram and the electrocardiogram. Once you have met the required criteria, you will be advised on the foods and drugs to be avoided during the preparation stage.
The process of placement is done through a simple operation in which general or local anesthesia is used. The device is typically inserted in area around the left shoulder. Leads are then connected to the heart passing through a large vein. An instrument known as a fluoroscope is used to guide the process. The entire exercise takes about thirty to ninety minutes. You will receive some antibiotics to prevent infections as you leave the operating room.
Although the operation is considered a day case in most centers, you may have to be admitted overnight. This provides an opportunity for the heart rate and rhythm to be monitored. The frequency may have to be adjusted if the rate is either too high or too low. There are a number of complications that may ensue after the operation. They include bleeding, abnormal heart rhythms, infections and more rarely, puncture of the lung or the heart.
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 lifestyle dramatically after this surgery. However, some precautions should be undertaken to avoid interfering with the functioning of the device. One of the things that need to be avoided is a strong magnetic field. Such may exist in MRI machines that are used to generate radiological images. Strong contact sports should also be avoided due to the risk of mechanical damage to 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.
Find out the benefits of using a <a href="http://picheart.com">pacemaker</a> with the help of this informative site. Gain full access to our homepage when you click on this link http://picheart.com.
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New Unique Article!
Title: Information On Pacemaker Placement Patients Should Know
Author: Laura Fox
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: pacemaker
Word Count: 598
Category: Health & Fitness
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