During an arrhythmia, the heart can beat too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm.

Pacemakers send electrical pulses to help your heart beat at a normal rate and rhythm. Pacemakers can also be used to help your heart chambers beat in sync so your heart can pump blood more efficiently to your body. This may be needed if you have heart failure.

You may need a temporary (short-term) or permanent (long-term) pacemaker. A temporary pacemaker is normally inserted through a vein in the neck and remains outside your body. A permanent pacemaker is placed in your chest or abdomen. This topic focuses on permanent pacemakers.

Many people with pacemakers can return to their regular activities within a few days. You may need to avoid certain electrical devices or devices that have strong magnetic fields.

Pacemakers use low-energy electrical pulses to control the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. Traditional pacemakers send the electrical pulses through wires, also known as leads. Wireless pacemakers are a newer kind of pacemaker.

Traditional pacemakers (also called transvenous pacemakers) have three main parts: a pulse generator that creates the electrical pulses, wires implanted inside the veins that carry the pulses to your heart, and electrodes that sense your natural heartbeat.

A traditional pacemaker generator is placed outside of your heart, either in your chest or abdomen. It is connected via wires to electrodes inside one to three heart chambers.

The procedure may be planned ahead of time, or it may be done during an emergency (temporary pacemaker). You will be given medicine to make parts of your body numb or make you sleep during the procedure.

Different types of pacemakers require different procedures to place them.

After receiving a permanent pacemaker, you will recover in the hospital for a few hours or overnight. You will receive a card with information about the device and its settings, your doctor, and the hospital where you received it. Make sure to carry this card with you at all times.

The day after the procedure, you may undergo an X-ray to ensure that the pacemaker and wires are in place. Your team may also recommend an electrocardiogram to monitor your heart rhythm. They will verify that the device is programmed correctly for you before you are discharged. They may also ensure that the device can transmit data remotely.

Your doctor will provide you with instructions to follow as you recover at home, such as:

Which medications to take

  • When to resume normal activities. Your doctor will likely advise you to refrain from driving or heavy lifting for at least a week. Most individuals return to their regular activities within a few days of the surgery.
  • How to prevent the wires from shifting. Your doctor may advise you to be cautious or avoid heavy lifting, strenuous physical activity, or raising your arms above your head. These activities could displace the device or a wire.
  • When to schedule a follow-up appointment. Typically, the first appointment is one month after the implant, with subsequent visits every 6 to 12 months.

For more information then please call Grupo HPA Saude on (+351) 282 420 400.