Types of Pacemakers
What is a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small electrically charged medical device that is implanted under the skin to help manage irregular heartbeats. Pacemakers are used to treat heart conditions, such as arrhythmia, in which the heart beats either too fast, too slow, or has an irregular rhythm. This device generates small electric stimulation which helps the heartbeat at regular rhythms to ensure a normal lifestyle.
Pacemakers are used to record the heart’s electrical activity and heart rhythms. These days, the advancement of new pacemakers have been developed that can also monitor blood temperature, breathing rates, and other activities. According to that, they can adjust the heart rate to change as per the activity of your body.
Types of Pacemakers
There are different types of pacemakers. Some are distinguished as per the placement in the heart and then there are ones as per the life of the pacemaker.
Temporary Pacemakers: – These pacemakers are used to treat short-term heart problems in patients, for example, variation in heartbeats due to a heart attack or a patient might have had heart surgery. These temporary pacemakers are usually used during medical emergencies. For example, when the patient is in the hospital for temporary relief until a proper solution is done for the medical problem.
Permanent Pacemakers: – This is the pacemaker that is placed in a patient in place of temporary ones before they can be discharged from the hospital. Permanent pacemakers helps lead a person a normal life without any complications as they can control any heart rhythm problems.
Here are the different pacemakers types as per the heart placements:-
Single Chamber Pacemaker: – This type of pacemaker is used when one side of the heart chamber has a problem. This pacemaker usually carries electrical stimulation to the right ventricle of the heart.
Dual Chamber Pacemaker: – This pacemaker is connected to both of the chambers on the right side of the heart, the right atrium, and the right ventricle. It regulates the pace of contractions of both the chambers allowing the blood to flow properly.
Biventricular Pacemaker: – Biventricular pacemaker, also known as Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. This type of pacemaker has three leads. One of the lead is placed in the right atrium, one is placed in the right ventricle, and the third one is placed in the left ventricle. This leads to total stimulation of the lower chambers of the heart and makes it beat more efficiently.
Here are the reasons to see a cardiologist
Which pacemaker is used for which patient depends on the diagnosis made by the doctor. As per the needs of the patient, the decision is made by their cardiologist. With the use of proper pacemaker type, a person can lead a good normal and healthy life.