Question 1

are pacemakers and waterbeds compatible?

Accepted Answer

Yes: A permanent pacemaker is implanted inside a person, and the pacemaker does not know whether or not a person is on a waterbed. Pacemaker patients do not have to worry about using normally functioning common household appliances such as microwave ovens, televisions, radios, toasters, electric blankets, modern cell phones, and modern portable media players... according to UpToDate's patient brochure.

Question 2

what are pacemakers?

Accepted Answer

Speed up heart: If your heart is beating too slow, a pacemaker sends a small electric shock to the heart making it beat faster. There is a batery and some electronic circuits which tell the pacemaker when your heart beats too slow.

Question 3

how are pacemakers placed?

Accepted Answer

Minor surgical proce: Pacemakers are placed in a cardiac cath or surgical suite with the visual guidance of fluoroscopy (x-ray  visualization).  A pacing lead is placed into the heart after access to a vein in the arm, groin, neck, chest is obtained.  Specific electrical parameters of the lead are checked, then the lead attached to a pacemaker often embedded in the upper chest wall, where small incision is made.

Question 4

what are pacemakers used for?

Accepted Answer

A few things...: Keeping the heart rate from going to slow - in heart block - preventing passing out, changing how the heart muscle contracts to prevent outlow tract obstruction - like in hocm, and occassionally to prevent people from passing out - like in severe neurocardiogenic syncope.

Question 5

why would someone need a pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Electrical issues: The heart has mechanical and electrical functions.  A pacemaker is needed when the patient's heart rate or rhythm is abnormal.  The most typical conditions are bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate) and heart block (a condition where the heart stops beating for several seconds).

Question 6

benefits/risks of pacemaker if >90?

Accepted Answer

Small risk-big bene: If a pacemaker is indicated, age is completely irrelevant. The vast majority of people who need and get pacemakers are elderly. It doesn't matter if you're >100. The procedure is minor and done under local anesthetic with minimal risk.  If you're symptomatic from a rhythm disturbance corrected by a pacemaker, you will feel much better with it and there's not reason not to proceed.

Question 7

what are the elements used in pacemakers?

Accepted Answer

Several answers: There are several answers to this.  From the cardiologist, ep doctor or ct surgeon. First one meets the criteria for pacing. Next  several companies have their reps hold the device with them and hospitals hold them. We use routine venous sheaths to access the vein and flexible wires to guide wires to the heart then through techniques position the leads and secure device or pacemaker to them.

Question 8

what are the dangers of having a pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Procedure dangers: During pacemaker procedure - rupture, pericarditis, infections of site , which rarely happens, very safe and easy procedures that saves life.

Question 9

what are the benefits of having a pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Prevent syncope: Pacemakers prevent the heart rate to go below certain programmed parameter (usually 60 beats per minute). The most common reasons are sick sinus syndrome and advanced atrioventricular ventricular blockade. Pacemaker prevent the heart to stop in severe bradycardia (caused by medicines or disease) causing syncope with loss of consciousness and injuries related to them.

Question 10

what are the advantages and disadvantages of pacemakers?

Accepted Answer

Function and quality: The advantage of pacemaker is to safe keep one's activity and quality of life -- and there is really no disadvantage - it is a simple procedure with instant benefit -- a good therapy if one needs it.

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Pacemaker and waterbeds

A member asked:

Are pacemakers and waterbeds compatible?

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What are pacemakers?

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How are pacemakers placed?

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What are pacemakers used for?

A member asked:

Why would someone need a pacemaker?

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Benefits/risks of pacemaker if >90?

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What are the elements used in pacemakers?

A member asked:

What are the dangers of having a pacemaker?

A member asked:

What are the benefits of having a pacemaker?

A member asked:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of pacemakers?

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