Question 1

what is a pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Heart device.: A cardiac pacemaker is a device that is implanted in the chest to permanently regulate heartbeat rhythms. The pacemaker monitors the heartbeat to make sure it is not beating too slowly, and when necessary transmits electric pulses to the heart to increase the heartbeat pace. Pacemakers are periodically replaced every several years when the battery runs out.

Question 2

can a pacemaker expire?

Accepted Answer

Battery life: Pacemakers have a battery or generator life.  The device does not 'expire' but it does come to end of life and the generator or body of the pacemaker must be replaced.

Question 3

how to test a pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Pacemaker clinic: You need to go to pacemaker clinic at a hospital where they will "interogate" it. You cannot do it by yourself.

Question 4

when do you need a pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Be seen: See your cardiologist to stratify your risk and possible need for a pacemaker.

Question 5

how long will a pacemaker last?

Accepted Answer

10 years: Depends on the model of the pacemaker and when it was put in.  It's not uncommon for pacemakers today to last 10 years or longer.  Part of that is dependent on how many times its had to kick in.

Question 6

can you tell me about pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

Pacemaker: A pacemaker is an electronic device which uses a lead as an antenna to sense the heart's electrical activity. It uses the same lead(s) to deliver a small electrical impulse to the heart to make it contract if the heart isn't going as fast as the device was programmed to maintain. Pacemakers both sense heart activity and pace it to produce activity. They maintain heart rate. Other things too....

Question 7

what exactly does a pacemaker do?

Accepted Answer

A pacemaker: Is a small device that's placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. This device uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate.

Question 8

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 9

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 10

how long will i live with pacemaker?

Accepted Answer

A long time: A pacemaker helps ensure you will have as close to a normal heart rhythm as possible. The pacemaker box (known as a generator) and the wires that connect the generator to the heart do require replacement periodically. There is some risk involved with these procedures, but it is not high. Also some patients who are paced can develop a weakened heart muscle. You doctor can watch for this.

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Pacmakers

A member asked:

What is a pacemaker?

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Can a pacemaker expire?

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How to test a pacemaker?

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When do you need a pacemaker?

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How long will a pacemaker last?

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Can you tell me about pacemaker?

A member asked:

What exactly does a pacemaker do?

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Why would someone need a pacemaker?

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Benefits/risks of pacemaker if >90?

A member asked:

How long will i live with pacemaker?

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