The electrical system of your heart is a natural pacemaker that controls the actions of these chambers. It generates impulses that stimulate the ventricles to fill with blood before contracting and pumping the blood to the rest of your body. If your heartbeat is too fast or too slow, the blood supply throughout your body is interrupted, and you may feel fatigued, short of breath, confused or even faint.
Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms in the cardiac muscle. An arrhythmia can be caused by normal aging, certain medications or a myocardial infarction that damages part of the cardiac muscle. If you have an arrhythmia, your doctor may recommend a pacemaker, or an electrical device that will manage your heartbeat. This small device is about the size of a half dollar, and it is placed near your heart to synchronize its beat. The surgical procedure is minor and generally causes only a slight disruption to your normal daily activities for a day or two after implantation.
This pacemaker is designed to mimic the natural function of the cardiac muscle and generates the electrical pulse necessary to regulate your heartbeat. In some cases, these devices are only implanted temporarily to help your body recover after surgery or a myocardial infarction. They may also be implanted permanently if you experience atrial fibrillation, a serious condition in which the rhythm is uncoordinated.
Although pacemakers use advanced technology that ensures lasting, reliable service, the battery may need to be replaced after about a decade. The pulse generator is also usually replaced at this time.
People are living longer and facing more health challenges, including cardiovascular disease. Pacemakers are considered the standard treatment for fibrillation and other conditions that affect the electrical system of your heart. They can be adjusted for your activity level so that you can continue all your favorite activities.