Pacemaker

What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is an implantable device that regulates the rhythm of your heartbeat. It works by sending mild electrical impulses to the heart to keep it in a normal rhythm.

A traditional pacemaker has three parts:

Generator

The generator is a small, battery-powered device that creates an electrical pulse. Surgeons place this device under the skin in your chest.

Wires

Wires travel from the generator through veins to your heart, carrying the electrical pulse.

Electrodes

Located on your heart, electrodes monitor the rhythm of your heartbeat and deliver the electrical impulses when your heartbeat is out of rhythm.

With advances in medical technology, you can get wireless pacemakers.

Who needs a pacemaker?

You may need a pacemaker if you have an arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) or heart failure.

Arrhythmia

An arrhythmia means your heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. You may need a pacemaker if you have an arrhythmia that causes your heart to beat too slowly. 

You may also need a pacemaker to prevent a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Heart failure

Heart failure is a type of heart disease that affects your heart’s ability to pump blood throughout your body. If you have heart failure, a pacemaker may improve the rhythm of your heartbeat and its ability to pump blood into your body.

What happens after I get a pacemaker?

Many people experience improvements in their heart disease symptoms after placement of their pacemaker. However, once it’s in place, you need to see your doctor on a regular basis to make sure your pacemaker is working as it should.

Candice Kim Cardiology is a state-of-the-art practice that provides care for patients following the placement of their pacemaker. Dr. Kim does in-office pacemaker interrogations, using advanced technology that communicates with your pacemaker, evaluating its programming and confirming that the battery and wires are functioning normally. 

Dr. Kim also offers home monitoring devices that collect data from the pacemaker. You then send this data electronically to the office for evaluation. She provides information about software updates and upgrades for your pacemaker.

When you have a pacemaker, you need to avoid prolonged contact with electronic devices that might affect the electrical signaling, like cellphones, headphones, and microwave ovens. Dr. Kim can talk to you about these devices and how to safely use them.

For comprehensive pacemaker management, call Candice Kim Cardiology or schedule an appointment online today.