Cardiovascular
Clinics
Pacemaker
A pacemaker prevents the heart from beating too slowly.
A pacemaker is a device made of a generator that sits under the skin connected to leads that go into the heart that prevents the heart from beating too slowly.
Why?
Every heart contains cells that produce electrical impulses that make the heart beat. When these cells stop working, dizziness, fatigue or blackouts may occur due to the heart going too slow. Your doctor may then recommend a pacemaker to prevent the heart from beating too slowly.
Preparation
Fast for 6 hours. Your doctor may alter some of your medications prior to the test. Bring your list of medications on the day of the test. You will be asked to sign a consent form after having the risks and benefits of the pacemaker implantation procedure explained.
How is it done?
A Pacemaker is inserted in a hospital and requires an overnight stay. Under local anesthesia and/or a sedative, an incision is made just below the collarbone and the pacemaker generator is inserted under the skin.
The wires are then carefully fixed in place inside the heart and attached to the pacemaker generator. After, the pacemaker is then checked and optimised. You’ll be able leave the hospital often the next day.
The dressing will be removed usually after 7 days. In order to allow the leads to fix inside the heart, you will be asked not to move your arm above your shoulders on the pacemaker side for 2 weeks.
Your cardiologist will arrange a regular review to check the settings of your pacemaker and to adjust any medications as required.
Duration
1 hour.
