Posts
Pacemaker User's Warnings
Someone I know uses a pacemaker, but he was very careless at first. After the pacemaker was implanted, he thought all the problems were over. But within a few days he realized - his assumption was wrong - rather the beginning of more caution. I learned a lot from watching his running to doctor and home.
In the normal life of a creature, if our rhythmic
heart suddenly loses its rhythm, our medical scientists are able to use a
device called a pacemaker to bring it back. - It is a special grace of God. But
the doctor insists that pacemaker users need to take some precautions.
Our heartbeat is rhythmic. Normally beats 60 to 100
times per minute. This rate fluctuates due to various reasons including
exercise, exertion, rest, fever, anxiety.
There are small nodes inside the heart to control the
heartbeat, from which impulses are generated and spread to the heart. If there
is an obstruction or problem in the way messages are propagated from this node,
the heartbeat becomes irregular. This is called "heart block". This
can happen in various heart diseases, especially after a heart attack.
Doctors say - Irregular heartbeats can cause symptoms
such as lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, sudden loss of
consciousness, or falling down. It can be detected by ECG. Further tests
including echocardiography, angiogram may be needed to diagnose the cause. Some
may need an artificial pacemaker after diagnosis.
An artificial pacemaker is a thin watch-like
battery-operated generator that is placed under the skin of the chest through a
small incision. Its special type of fiber is connected to the heart through
veins. The messages made in this device reach the heart and keep the beat
normal and regular.
A modern pacemaker is similar to a normal node -
producing a heart rate that changes during exercise, rest, sleep, tension. It
is designed in such a way that it is inactive while the heart is making normal
beats. Activated again if needed.
The battery of the device needs to be changed after 10
to 15 years. Modern pacemakers have an impact on daily life.
The doctor said, however, it is better for the user to
take some precautions.
1. It is better not to lift anything heavy with the
hand on the side of the chest. On the surface of the skin where the pacemaker
is attached - do not attempt to massage, poke, shake.
2. Magnets and electromagnetic waves can interfere
with the pacemaker's operation. Cell phones should be kept at least six inches
away. It is not allowed to hold the phone to the ear on the side where the pacemaker
is and keep the mobile phone in the book pocket.
3. It is best to stay away from heavy industrial
machinery where high levels of electromagnetic waves are used. Hold metal
detectors at least six inches away. Show pacemaker ID during security checks at
places like airports, request an alternate system search.
4. Talk openly about pacemakers during treatment or
tests.
Know, and follow the rules - to lead a healthy life.
