A pacemaker is a small device implanted in the chest or abdomen to control abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias by using electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. Pacemakers are used to treat slow or irregular heartbeats that can cause symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or fainting. The pacemaker consists of a battery, generator, and wires that connect to the heart and monitor its electrical activity, sending pulses to regulate the heartbeat when needed.

2.  A pacemaker is a small device that is placed in the chest or
abdomen to help or control abnormal heart rhythms. This
device uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at
a normal rate.
 Pacemakers are used to treat arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are
problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. During
an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with
an irregular rhythm.
 A heartbeat that is too fast is called tachycardia. A
heartbeat that's too slow is called bradycardia.

3.  During an arrhythmia, the heart may not be able to pump
enough blood to the body. This can cause symptoms such
as fatigue (tiredness), shortness of breath, or fainting.
Severe arrhythmias can damage the body's vital organs
and may even cause loss of consciousness or death.
 A pacemaker can relieve some arrhythmia symptoms, such
as fatigue and fainting. A pacemaker also can help a
person who has abnormal heart rhythms resume a more
active lifestyle.

4.  Heart has its own internal electrical system that controls
the rate and rhythm of our heartbeat.
 In each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads from the top
of our heart to the bottom. As the signal travels, it causes
the heart to contract and pump blood.
 Each electrical signal normally begins in a group of cells
called the sinus node or sinoatrial (SA) node.
 First, the heart's two upper chambers, the atria contract.
This contraction pumps blood into the heart's two lower
chambers, the ventricles. The ventricles then contract and
pump blood to the rest of the body. The combined
contraction of the atria and ventricles is a heartbeat.

5. The pacemakers are recommended for many reasons. The
most common reasons are bradycardia and heart block.
 Bradycardia is a heartbeat that is slower than normal.
 Heart block is a disorder that occurs if an electrical signal
is slowed or disrupted as it moves through the heart. Heart
block can happen as a result of aging, damage to the heart,
some nerve and muscle disorders also can cause heart
block, including muscular dystrophy.

6.  A pacemaker consists of a battery, a computerized
generator, and wires with sensors at their tips. The sensors
are called electrodes. The battery powers the generator,
and both are surrounded by a thin metal box. The wires
connect the generator to the heart.
 A pacemaker helps to monitor and control the heartbeat.
The electrodes detect the heart's electrical activity and
send data through the wires to the computer in the
generator.
 If the heart rhythm is abnormal, the computer will direct
the generator to send electrical pulses to the heart. The
pulses travel through the wires to reach the heart.

7.  Newer pacemakers can monitor our blood temperature,
breathing, and other factors. They also can adjust our heart
rate to changes in our activity.
 The pacemaker's computer also records our heart's
electrical activity and heart rhythm. The doctor will use
these recordings to adjust our pacemaker so it works better
for us.
 The doctor can program the pacemaker's computer with an
external device. He or she doesn't have to use needles or
have direct contact with the pacemaker.

8.  The wires in a single-chamber pacemaker usually carry
pulses from the generator to the right ventricle (the lower
right chamber of the heart).
 The wires in a dual-chamber pacemaker carry pulses from
the generator to the right atrium (the upper right chamber
of the heart) and the right ventricle. The pulses help to
coordinate the timing of these two chambers' contractions.
 The wires in a biventricular pacemaker carry pulses from
the generator to an atrium and both ventricles. The pulses
help to coordinate the electrical signaling between the two
ventricles. This type of pacemaker is also called as
cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device.

9. Internal pacemaker
 An internal pacemaker is one in which the electrodes is
fixed into the heart.
 It consists of myocardial or endocardial electrodes. It is
intended for long-term use.
 The electronic circuitry and the power supply are
implanted (internally) within the body. This kind of
pacemaker is also called implantable pacemaker.

11.  Transcutaneous pacing (also called external pacing) is a
temporary means of pacing a patient's heart during a
medical emergency.
 It is accomplished by delivering pulses of electric current
through the patient's chest, which stimulates the heart to
contract.
 An external pacemaker features exteriorized electrodes.
This pacemaker is usually transistorized, miniaturized,
battery-powered and patient-portable. It is recommended
for short-term or temporary use.

12. Internal pacemaker
 It is used for permanent
heart problems
 It requires surgery to
implant the pacemaker
 If any problem arises in
the electrical circuit or
battery of pacemaker, a
minor surgery is needed
to replace it
External pacemaker
 It is used for temporary
heart problems
 It is located outside the
body
 The battery can be
replaced without surgery.
There is no pain and
swelling to the patient

14. Pacemaker surgery generally is safe. If problems may occur,
they are:
 Swelling, bleeding, bruising, or infection in the area where
the pacemaker was placed
 Blood vessel or nerve damage
 A collapsed lung
 A bad reaction to the medicine used during the procedure

15. The person having pacemaker, have to avoid close or prolonged
contact with electrical devices or devices that have strong
magnetic fields.
Devices that can interfere with a pacemaker include:
 Cell phones and MP3 players (for example, iPods)
 Household appliances, such as microwave ovens
 High-tension wires
 Metal detectors
 Industrial welders
 Electrical generators
These devices can disrupt the electrical signaling of the
pacemaker and stop it from working properly.

16.  Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI
 Shock-wave lithotripsy to get rid of kidney stones
 Electrocauterization to stop bleeding during surgery