For decades, the diagnosis of a heart problem meant either an eventual death sentence or a sharply altered life where your regular routine would be completely upended. Technology today ensures that this is no longer the case, and many heart problems can actually be dealt with very easily. A pacemaker is one way that doctors can make this happen.
For a person to truly understand pacemakers, they need to know at least the simplest inner workings of the heart. Basically, it uses electrical pulses to pump blood through all your veins so that all the rest of your body parts function properly. If these signals are interrupted or stop working at their regular pace, it could mean big health troubles.
These devices are mostly used to help correct a condition known as an arrhythmia, which means that the heartbeat is not going at a normal pace. This can cause all kinds of issues such as fainting, dizziness, and fatigue, some or all of which could be chronic, depending on how serious it is. Those who have one and do not seek treatment could die.
If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from an arrhythmia, they may run one or more tests to confirm that this is the case before enacting a treatment plan. They often will ask for an EKG to be performed, because it is painless to the patient and registers all of the heart's electrical activity.
An echocardiography, also called an echo for short, involves using waves of sound to record the functions and flow. It also measures the shape and size or everything, including the chambers and valves and makes sure they are working properly.
The doctor may also prescribe a stress test, which records heart rate while it is active. If you are well enough, you will have to exercise on a treadmill to get it pumping. If not, a medicine can be administered to give your heart a similar, elevated beat.
If you do need the device implanted after these tests, it is a common procedure that requires two incisions. One is near the shoulder, where wires are inserted into the heart. Then a second in the abdomen that has the box and battery, which is in turn connected to the wires to regular the heartbeat and make you feel better.
The staff will insist that you stay overnight so they can keep an eye on the incision and your temperature to ensure you do not get a dangerous infection. They will also advise that you stay in bed or take it easy for a month or longer after the surgery so that your body and your heart recover properly.
Another thing to look out for is anything with a magnetic field or electrical devices, as they could interfere with the operation of your new device. This includes cell phones, so try to use speakerphone when you can and do not put it in your shirt pocket or near where the device is implanted in order to stave off any adverse effects. Just remember to do what your doctor tells you and you are on your way to a better life.
For a person to truly understand pacemakers, they need to know at least the simplest inner workings of the heart. Basically, it uses electrical pulses to pump blood through all your veins so that all the rest of your body parts function properly. If these signals are interrupted or stop working at their regular pace, it could mean big health troubles.
These devices are mostly used to help correct a condition known as an arrhythmia, which means that the heartbeat is not going at a normal pace. This can cause all kinds of issues such as fainting, dizziness, and fatigue, some or all of which could be chronic, depending on how serious it is. Those who have one and do not seek treatment could die.
If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from an arrhythmia, they may run one or more tests to confirm that this is the case before enacting a treatment plan. They often will ask for an EKG to be performed, because it is painless to the patient and registers all of the heart's electrical activity.
An echocardiography, also called an echo for short, involves using waves of sound to record the functions and flow. It also measures the shape and size or everything, including the chambers and valves and makes sure they are working properly.
The doctor may also prescribe a stress test, which records heart rate while it is active. If you are well enough, you will have to exercise on a treadmill to get it pumping. If not, a medicine can be administered to give your heart a similar, elevated beat.
If you do need the device implanted after these tests, it is a common procedure that requires two incisions. One is near the shoulder, where wires are inserted into the heart. Then a second in the abdomen that has the box and battery, which is in turn connected to the wires to regular the heartbeat and make you feel better.
The staff will insist that you stay overnight so they can keep an eye on the incision and your temperature to ensure you do not get a dangerous infection. They will also advise that you stay in bed or take it easy for a month or longer after the surgery so that your body and your heart recover properly.
Another thing to look out for is anything with a magnetic field or electrical devices, as they could interfere with the operation of your new device. This includes cell phones, so try to use speakerphone when you can and do not put it in your shirt pocket or near where the device is implanted in order to stave off any adverse effects. Just remember to do what your doctor tells you and you are on your way to a better life.
About the Author:
When you are searching for information about a pacemaker, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.picheart.com/about-us.html now.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.