When the heart rhythm is
problematic and at risk of life threatening, the doctor will usually
immediately "shock" the patient's organs with a pacemaker.
Yes, this one medical
device serves to help control the patient's heart rate to stay normal.
How long can a person
survive with this one tool?
Here's the full review.
Overview of pacemakers
A pacemaker, or also
called a defibrillator, is a device used to treat heart rhythm disorders in an
emergency. This tool will be attached to the patient's chest to send a shock in
the form of electricity to the heart.
Electric flow is what
will stimulate the heart muscles that were originally disrupted can return to
work normally.
However, not everyone
needs a defibrillator. This tool is usually used for people who have irregular
heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Whether it's too fast (tachycardia) or just too
slow (bradycardia).
How long can a person live with the help of a pacemaker?
The resistance of a
pacemaker in a patient's body depends on several factors. Starting from the
severity of heart rhythm disorders and the needs of each patient.
Then, the next question
is, how long can a pacemaker increase a person's life expectancy?
Reporting from Science
Daily, most patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy
can survive more than 7 years with the help of a pacemaker.
In fact, people with
congenital heart disease can survive up to 10 years with the same device.
In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, the left ventricle of the heart has difficulty pumping blood throughout the body. Meanwhile, the heart condition of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy tends to weaken and enlarge.
As a result, both
diseases make the heart fail to pump blood throughout the body.
According to Robert
Hauser, MD, a cardiologist from the Minneapolis Heart Institute, United States,
both conditions can increase the risk of sudden cardiac death and heart
failure. Therefore, it is necessary to help implantable pacemakers to help
increase blood flow to the heart and the whole body.
Which must be considered when using a pacemaker
Before installing a
defibrillator, make sure you have obtained permission from your cardiologist
first. Your doctor will look at your medical history and measure how much you
need a pacemaker.
After the operation of
the pacemaker is successful, always follow all the recommendations of the
cardiologist regarding things you may and may not do. This aims to prevent side
effects and risks that might occur to your body after installing a
defibrillator.
The good news is that a defibrillator planted in the body can last a long time and is not easily damaged due to small things. Even if there is a small trauma to the chest that is located above the location of the defibrillator.
However, the resistance
of your pacemaker can be disrupted if you experience severe trauma or a broken
bone. That is why, you are advised to avoid sports that are too heavy after
installing a pacemaker.
Also avoid movements that
can trigger heart contractions too strong. For example, sawing wood or stirring
cement that involves the muscles around the defibrillator.
Relax, you can still
exercise, really, as long as the intensity is light. For example by walking or
just a short stretch.
If done carefully, this
can help smooth blood flow to the heart and reduce the severity of heart
disease that you experience.
No less important, make
sure to always take medication regularly according to the doctor's advice. All
of these methods can help optimize the use of a pacemaker and maintain your
heart's health going forward.
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