Medical technology helps people in present times to have better quality and quantity of life compared to ever before. One such advancement is the invention of a pacemaker. The pacemaker acts as the silent savior for saving the patients from heart disturbances. These pacemakers, though minute, are an influencing factor that helps return the patients to normal life with their controlled heart rhythm. But the question is, can a pacemaker improve people’s lifespan? What factors can affect the life span of people with these devices? In this article, I go into details about such questions and glimpse into the lives of people living with a pacemaker.
What is a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small electronic device used in people whose heartbeat is irregular, be it faster or considerably slower. However, it also acts as a lifesaver in regulating the electrical activity in one’s heart and the regularities at suitable heartbeats. Pacemakers are implanted primarily in a person with severe abnormalities; the patient then suffers from issues that may include but are not limited to bradycardia or cardiac arrhythmias, which is to say, slow heartbeat or irregularity of the pulse.
A pacemaker consists of two major parts:
1- Pulse generator
That part of the device is responsible for producing electrical pulses. These then get transferred to the heart for making it beat in a normal rhythm. The pulse generator contains an internal battery that lasts for 5 to 15 years and must be replaced on time.
2- Electrodes (wires)
These wires are connected from the pulse generator to the heart, and they carry electrical pulses to the heart muscles.
How many types of heart batteries are there?
The heart battery is divided into two main kinds, depending on the needs of the patient:
1- Single-chamber pacemakers
This pacemaker works with only one electrode and is located in one of the heart chambers: either the atrium or the ventricle. This kind is used in the case of patients with heartbeat disturbance in only one of their heart chambers.
2- Dual-chamber pacemakers
The most widespread type is a two-electrode one because it stimulates the two chambers of the heart, namely, the atrium and ventricle. Therefore, this type of pacemaker is recommended to patients with more complicated tachy- and bradycardial arrhythmia that requires atrial and ventricular rhythm guidance simultaneously.
How is a heart battery installed and replaced?
1- Implantation
Positioning of the Pacemaker: As discussed above, it is a minor surgical procedure, usually under local anaesthesia, and is often carried out in a sterile environment. The doctor makes a tiny cut in the chest; then the pacemaker is inserted under the skin or in a muscle along with electrodes that fasten to the heart. Following this installation, patients are necessary for post-surgery care, and patients are bound to visit a physician routine check so that the device would work according to a correct method.
2- Battery replacement
Replacement is also indicated when the life of the pacemaker battery is about to expire. The procedure for this also takes only a few hours, similar to the initial installation. Newer batteries use technologies that last longer, necessitating fewer replacements.
What is the average life expectancy of people with a pacemaker?
One of the questions which one always finds being asked by the patients and their families is what effect installing a pacemaker will have on the life span of the people. Here, I will discuss the various factors affecting the life span of people with a pacemaker.
1- The effect of the patient’s age
Age of the patient is one of the major determining factors of life span of people with a pacemaker. Chances of younger patients to live long are more since the general health of these people is good and hence they have better recovery chances from surgery. In older people, though a pacemaker implantation can highly improve the quality of life, thereby increasing the life span of them, provided heart problems are well controlled.
2- Pre-existing health conditions
One’s general health condition prior to the implantation of a pacemaker is another factor that decides his or her span of life. People suffering from other chronic diseases besides heart problems may suffer more and this could include diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory diseases. Even in these cases, a pacemaker can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms of co-morbidities.
3- How to take care of the device
The other significant factor that can affect the life span of the patients is how the patients look after their pacemaker and follow the advice provided by the doctor. It was evident that the patient who regularly visited their doctor, and checked the functioning of their device had fewer problems and better performance of the device. Also, on time battery replacement and necessary repairs are critical factors that shall be considered.
4- The impact of technological advances
Recent development and advancements in medical technology, specifically in pacemakers, have also been a significant factor in the increase in life expectancy for patients. Newer models can last longer and with more functions in monitoring and controlling heart functions that could minimize potential problems and prolong patients’ lives.
5- Scientific studies on patient life span
Lots of research was done regarding the pacemaker’s effect on the life spans of patients. Scientific researches show that a lot of the patients get longer and healthier lives after implanting the pacemaker. Generally, implantation of the pacemaker saves patients from sudden heart attacks or other serious heart problems and thus, they can continue their regular life.
What care does a person who has a pacemaker need, to prolong his life span?
Medical attention is taken for a person with a pacemaker to prolong his life expectancy and improve his quality of life. A person with an artificial pacemaker needs the following:
- Regular follow up with a doctor
- Periodical check-ups
The patients should be taken periodically to the doctor for the checking of the pacemaker. These check-ups help the doctor check the device settings and correct them if necessary.
- Monitoring of the Battery
This is one of the most important parts of care, which involves checking the condition of the pacemaker battery. The doctor may use special devices to check the condition of this battery and indicate the correct time for its replacement.
2- Timely Replacement of Battery
The battery of the pacemaker lasts for 5-15 years, according to the model and type of device. The replacement of the battery in time will avoid possible problems because of the shutdown of the device.
3- Avoid devices that interfere with the functioning of the pacemaker
Some of the electronic devices, such as used in airport security, older versions of microwaves, and MRI systems, interfere with the working of the pacemaker. The patients are not supposed to go near these devices and in case should consult their doctor.
4- Physical activity, regular exercise
One may resume light to moderate physical exertion after implanting a pacemaker, after seeking the doctor’s advice. Aerobic exercises such as walking and swimming, as well as yoga, are quite suitable for these individuals. It will help in improvising heart health and decreasing complications related to the heart. Regular exercise, on the other hand, should be done.
5- Follow a healthy diet
A diet that includes a balance of foods at a low-fat level minimizes the work the heart does hence improving the heart’s functionality. Patients are normally put on a low salt, saturated fat, and sugar intake diet with recommendations to increase fruit, vegetable, and whole grain intake.
6- Avoid smoking and alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol destroy the heart and lessen the age of the heart battery. Abandoning smoking and alcohol improves health conditions of the heart and extends the length of one’s life.
7- Managing Stress
Long-term stress invites problems related to heart issues. The patients suffering from a heart battery must know how to handle their stresses through meditation, bio-breathing, or yoga in order to maintain stress under control.
8- Maintaining the Medications
Many heart battery patients take medications in order to regulate blood pressure, cholesterol or other issues of the heart. Medications taken must be careful, as dosed and on schedule in order to maintain healthy hearts and extend life expectancy.
Final Thoughts
Eventually, though the implantation of a heart battery may initially cause apprehensions, with sufficient care, periodic visits to doctors, and following medical advice scrupulously, patients can lead a long, healthy, and uninhibited life. Nowadays, thousands of people all over the world enjoy active, energetic lives with the assistance of pacemakers and continue to go about their daily lives. This innovation has, therefore, allowed patients to look forward to the future with much confidence and a sense of security in life.
Sources
The Actual Lifespan of Pacemakers
Pacemaker Longevity: The World’s Longest‐Lasting VVI Pacemaker
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