What is a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small electronic device designed to regulate the heart’s rhythm when it beats too slowly, irregularly, or with pauses that may cause symptoms such as:

• Fatigue

• Dizziness or fainting

• Shortness of breath

• Palpitations

• Reduced ability to exercise

The heart beats thanks to natural electrical impulses. When this electrical system does not work properly, the pacemaker sends artificial impulses to help the heart maintain a regular rhythm and an appropriate heart rate for the body’s needs.

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The device consists of:

• A pulse generator (battery and electronic circuit), similar in size to a small metal capsule

• One or more leads (thin insulated wires) that connect the device to the heart

 

How is a Pacemaker Implanted?

Pacemaker implantation is a safe, minimally invasive procedure, usually performed in an operating room or electrophysiology lab.

Key steps include:

1. Local anesthesia (the patient remains awake but feels no pain)

2. A small incision is made below the collarbone, usually on the left side

3. Leads are inserted through a vein and guided into the heart using X-ray imaging

4. The leads are connected to the pacemaker generator

5. The generator is placed under the skin in a small pocket beneath the collarbone

6. The incision is closed with sutures or medical adhesive

The procedure generally takes 30 to 60 minutes.

 

After the Procedure

• Patients are monitored for a few hours or may stay overnight in the hospital

• Normal daily activities can be gradually resumed in the following days

• Routine follow-up checks are scheduled to ensure the device is working properly

• A pacemaker does not limit daily life, moderate exercise, or most common electronic devices

 

Benefits

• Prevents dangerously slow heart rhythms (bradycardia)

• Reduces symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, and fatigue

• Improves quality of life

• Helps the heart maintain a stable rhythm appropriate for the body’s needs