When a heart stops beating properly on its own, a pacemaker is usually installed to correct the problem. Made up of four different components, it is approximately 2 inches wide and 1/4 inch thick, and through a battery and generator creates electrical pulses to stimulate the heart to beat properly.
Pacemakers typically last 6 to 8 years before some component--usually the battery--needs replaced. But if something malfunctions, replacement can be required as early as two years. If this occurs, surgery will be required to replace or retire the unit.
Instructions
1. See your doctor once a year for a checkup to make sure the pacemaker battery and generator are working properly. These visits are required for pacemaker recipients, and can be more frequent as a pacemaker ages.
2. Notify your doctor immediately of any signs that your pacemaker is not functioning properly. Symptoms that your heart is not beating properly include dizziness, shortness of breath, and blacking out.
3. Monitor your energy levels and feelings of fatigue. If you suddenly feel tired and lethargic, this is a sign that your pacemaker is not working properly and may need to be replaced.
4. Schedule the required surgery to replace the pacemaker. You will be given a local anesthetic so that the doctor can make a small incision near your collar bone to remove the old pacemaker. A new pacemaker will be inserted and attached to the existing wires, which were inserted into the heart in the initial surgery to provide the electrical stimulation from the pacemaker. The incision will be closed, and you will be kept overnight for observation and testing.
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