What is a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small electronic medical device implanted under the skin of the chest to help regulate the heartbeat. It is connected to the heart through one or more thin, flexible wires called leads. When the pacemaker detects that the heart is beating too slowly or irregularly, it sends small electrical signals to prompt the heart to beat at the correct rate — helping patients feel better and stay safer every day.
Who Needs a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is recommended for patients whose hearts beat too slowly, pause unexpectedly, or have abnormal electrical conduction. Common indications include:
Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Heart block (electrical signal delay)
Fainting caused by slow rhythms
Heart failure requiring CRT pacing
Symptoms after certain cardiac procedures
How is a Pacemaker Implanted?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation and typically takes one to two hours. Here is what to expect:
1
The chest area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia. Mild sedation keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure.
2
One or more leads are guided through a vein beneath the collarbone and positioned precisely inside the heart using X-ray imaging.
3
The pacemaker device is placed in a small pocket created just under the skin below the collarbone and connected to the leads.
4
The device is programmed and tested to confirm it is sensing and pacing the heart correctly before the incision is closed.
5
Most patients go home the next day and gradually return to normal activities within a few days to weeks.
Key Benefits
Symptom Relief
Eliminates fatigue, dizziness, and fainting caused by a slow heart rate
24/7 Heart Support
Continuously monitors and supports the heart rhythm day and night
Remote Monitoring
Wirelessly sends device data to your care team between office visits
Long Battery Life
Modern pacemakers last 8 to 12 years before a simple battery replacement is needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a pacemaker affect my daily activities?
Most patients return to their normal routine within a few weeks. Your doctor may advise caution around certain strong electromagnetic fields, but everyday activities, travel, and exercise are generally unaffected.
Can I use a cell phone or microwave with a pacemaker?
Yes. Modern pacemakers are well-shielded. It is simply advisable to keep your cell phone at least 6 inches from the device and avoid placing it in the breast pocket directly over the pacemaker.
Is the pacemaker MRI compatible?
Many newer pacemaker models are MRI-conditional and can safely undergo MRI scans under specific conditions. Your cardiologist will confirm whether your device is MRI-safe before any imaging procedure.
What happens when the battery runs low?
When the battery nears the end of its life, the pacemaker generator is replaced in a brief, outpatient procedure. The existing leads are typically left in place and reconnected to the new device.
Restore Your Heart's Natural Rhythm
Speak with our heart rhythm specialists to find out if a pacemaker is the right solution for your heart condition.
Living with a Pacemaker
Living with a pacemaker is straightforward and unobtrusive. The small device sits quietly beneath the skin and requires no manual operation or charging. Patients are encouraged to attend routine follow-up appointments so the care team can check battery life, review stored rhythm data, and adjust pacing settings if needed. With proper monitoring and a heart-healthy lifestyle, most patients with pacemakers enjoy active, fulfilling lives with greatly improved energy and confidence.
