The heart is a pump, but the pumping action is triggered and controlled by the heart's electrical system. An electrical signal is generated by a special group of cells in the right upper chamber of the heart (the sinus node or "natural pacemaker" of the heart). The signal spreads throughout the upper chamber (the atria -- A'tre-ah) and to the atrioventricular (a'tre-o-ven-TRIK'u-ler) or A-V node. The A-V node connects to a group of fibres in the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles -- VEN'tre-kiz) that conduct the electric signal. The impulse travels down these specialized fibres to all parts of the ventricles. As the electrical impulse moves through the heart, the heart contracts. This normally occurs 60 to 100 times a minute, depending on your level of activity. Each contraction represents one heartbeat. The atria or upper contract a fraction of a second before the ventricles or lower chambers. The "LUP-DUPP" sound you hear is caused by the closing of heart valves. An arrhythmia occurs when:
These problems can produce a heartbeat that is either too slow or too fast.
Slow heart beat:
Types of slow heart beat include:
These symptoms can easily be corrected with an electronic pacemaker that is implanted under the skin and takes over for the malfunctioning natural pacemaker.
Rapid heart beat:
Types of fast heart beat include:
If an arrhythmia is severe or difficult to diagnose, an electrophysiologic study may be required Treatment: Treatment for arrhythmia can include:
In addition recent research has led to the development of:
The choice of therapy for a particular individual depends upon many factors including the condition of your heart and the rhythm disorder. These particulars should be discussed with your doctor.
*adapted form the Heart and Stroke Foundation of
Canada |
Implantation of a pacemaker is considered a minor operation. As a rule the procedure takes about an hour and is almost always performed under local anaesthesia. The pulse generator (the part which creates the electrical pacing signal) can be implanted under the collarbone. The current generation of pulse generators are almost the size of a book of matches. The lead (the wire which conducts the electrical impulse) is placed in direct contact with the wall of the heart. Once the incision from the implantation of the pacemaker has healed, there are few restrictions of everyday activities. The risk of a pulse generator or lead becoming dislodged is very slight. The pulse generator's electronic circuit contains a filter to prevent interference from electrical signals from outside of the heart. Patients with the current generation of implanted pacemakers can use most electrical and electronic devices. Special circumstances (digital cell phones), such as high-tension power sources (arc-welders) and powerful magnetic fields (MRI scanners), should be discussed with your doctor.
Great advances in pacemaker technology are
occurring. The batteries now last longer (often up
to 10 years) despite the devices getting smaller and
having increased safety and features. Where is the pacemaker clinic?
Centenary Health Centre is located at the corner of
Neilson Rd. and Ellesmere Ave. The pacemaker clinic
is located in the Cardio-Respiratory Department. You
may enter the hospital via the Outpatient entrance
north of the Emergency and follow the blue dots to
the Cardio-Respiratory Department.
* Adapted From the Heart and Stroke Foundation of
Canada |
|
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