{"id":19785,"date":"2024-04-15T11:43:30","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T04:43:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abdiwaluyo.com\/?p=19785"},"modified":"2024-10-10T10:50:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T03:50:29","slug":"pacemakers-devices-that-help-patients-with-heart-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abdiwaluyo.com\/en\/health-info\/pacemakers-devices-that-help-patients-with-heart-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Pacemakers, Devices that Help Patients with Heart Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

By:\u00a0 Thalia Kaylyn Averil<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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Pacemaker is a small device that produces electrical signals to control the heart rhythm, ensuring that the heart beats regularly and preventing the occurrence of arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can cause the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. Patients who need a pacemaker often experience symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, fatigue, fainting, or difficulty exercising. These symptoms often occur due to a heart rhythm that is too slow, problems with the sinoatrial node of the heart, or problems with electrical conduction between different parts of the heart. Pacemakers can also be used for patients with symptoms of heart blockage and heart failure. This device works by sending electrical signals to help the heart maintain a regular and proper rhythm. Apart from that, this tool can also regulate heart rate to increase the efficiency of blood circulation throughout the body.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is the sinoatrial node? How is normal heart rhythm regulated?<\/span><\/p>\n

Heartbeats are initiated by the heart itself. Some heart muscle cells can contract and relax by themselves without requiring signals from the nervous system. However, each heart muscle cell has its own natural rhythm for contracting, but these cells can contract simultaneously because it is regulated by a special group of cells located in the right side of the heart wall. These cells are called the sinoatrial (SA) node which acts like a natural pacemaker by regulating the speed and timing for all the heart muscle cells to contract together. The SA node produces electrical signals that are similar to nerve cells and can spread quickly because heart muscle cells are connected to each other through a network.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Figure 1. Sinoatrial node.<\/p><\/div><\/center><\/p>\n

A pacemaker consists of a generator for pulses and leads\/electrodes. A pulse generator is a small metal box containing a battery and other electrical components whose function is to produce an electric current that stimulates the heart muscle. The pulse generator is usually placed under the skin at the bottom of the chest, more specifically under the collarbone. Leads or electrodes are flexible cables consisting of one to three cables to be inserted into the heart chambers. This cable can transmit the electrical signals needed to correct the heart’s beat from the pulse generator.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Figure 2. Pacemaker.<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/center>The selection of the type of pacemaker depends on the symptoms and heart condition of the patient. The patient will be evaluated by a healthcare professional before determining the type of pacemaker to use. There are three main types of pacemakers:<\/span><\/p>\n