When your heart doesn’t beat in a regular rhythm, it can impact your overall health and quality of life. A pacemaker is a small medical device that helps regulate your heartbeat and ensures your heart functions efficiently. For those diagnosed with bradycardia or other arrhythmias, pacemaker surgery offers a life-saving solution.
In this guide, we’ll explore what a pacemaker is, how pacemaker surgery works, who needs it, what recovery looks like, and what to expect long-term.
What Is a Pacemaker?
It is a small, battery-powered device implanted under the skin of the chest or abdomen. It sends electrical impulses to the heart to maintain a regular heartbeat. They are typically recommended for people with:
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Heart block (delayed or blocked signals in the heart)
- Atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response
- Congenital heart rhythm disorders
Modern pacemakers are highly advanced and can adjust the heart rate based on the body’s activity level.
What Is Pacemaker Surgery?
It is a minor surgical procedure to implant the pacemaker under the skin, usually near the collarbone. Wires (called leads) are threaded through the veins into the heart and connected to the device.
Key Facts:
- Typically performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation
- Takes about 1–2 hours
- Requires a short hospital stay (often 24 hours)
- Patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days
✔ It is considered safe and effective, with a high success rate and minimal complications when performed by an experienced cardiologist.
Who Needs a Pacemaker?
You may be a candidate for a pacemaker if you experience symptoms like:
- Chronic fatigue
- Dizziness or fainting spells
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Irregular or slow heartbeat (especially under 60 bpm)
A cardiologist may recommend it after an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, or other cardiac tests show an abnormal rhythm.
Types of Them
There are several types of them, including:
- Single-Chamber: Connects to one heart chamber (usually the right ventricle)
- Dual-Chamber: Connects to both the right atrium and right ventricle, coordinating signals
- Biventricular: Used in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for heart failure patients
The right pacemaker depends on your condition, age, and lifestyle.
Life After The Surgery
Recovery after the surgery is generally quick:
- Avoid heavy lifting or raising your arm above shoulder height on the side of the implant for 4–6 weeks
- Keep the incision clean and dry
- You may feel some discomfort or bruising around the site, which typically resolves in a few days
Your doctor will schedule follow-up visits to check the pacemaker’s function. Most pacemakers last 7 to 15 years, depending on usage and battery life.
Can You Live a Normal Life with a This Device?
Yes! Most people with it lead active and full lives. However, certain precautions are recommended:
- Avoid close contact with strong magnetic fields or devices like MRI (unless you have an MRI-safe pacemaker)
- Inform airport security and medical personnel about your device
- Keep cell phones at least 15 cm away from the pacemaker site
With regular check-ups and lifestyle adjustments, patients can enjoy long-term heart health and improved quality of life.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, the surgery carries some risks:
- Infection at the implant site
- Bleeding or bruising
- Lead dislodgement
- Device malfunction (rare)
Choosing a qualified cardiologist and following post-operative instructions can significantly reduce these risks.
Final Thoughts
It is a reliable and transformative solution for patients with irregular heart rhythms. Whether you’re considering the procedure or supporting a loved one through recovery, understanding how the surgery works can offer peace of mind.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a slow or irregular heartbeat, speak with a cardiologist to determine if it is the right option for your condition.
