Why You Need A Pacemaker
Your doctor may have told you that you need a pacemaker. To understand why, you need to know that your heart has an electrical system that helps it beat at a regular speed or pace. Problems with this electrical system can make your heart's pace slow or uneven, possibly leaving you feeling run-down or even faint. A pacemaker is a small electronic device that helps your electrical system keep your heart beating at the right pace.
What is a Pacemaker?
When there's a problem with your heart's electrical system, a pacemaker can help. A pacemaker is a small, lightweight electronic device that's placed inside your body. The pacemaker keeps track of your heartbeat and, when necessary, generates electrical signals similar to the heart's natural signals. These signals keep your heart beating at the right pace.
What a Pacemaker Does
A pacemaker helps keep your heart from beating too slowly, but it doesn't stop your heart from beating on its own. The pacemaker "listens" to your heart. When the heart's own electrical system sends a signal and the heart beats, the pacemaker waits and does nothing. When the heart's system misses a signal, the pacemaker sends a signal to replace it.
The Parts of a Pacemaker
The generator makes the electrical signals when they're needed. It's a smooth, light-weight case containing a tiny computer and a battery. You won't feel the electricity coming out of the generator.
The connector is part of the generator where the lead or leads are attached.
Leads are wires covered by soft, flexible plastic. They help the generator listen to the heart and carry the generator's signals to the heart. The leads won't cut or poke you, and they won't stop the blood from flowing through your vein.