Pacemaker Implantation

A pacemaker may be recommended for patients showing signs of slow heart rate. When the electrical system in the heart is allowing the heartbeat to slow down for some reason, a small electronic device is implanted under the skin of the chest just below the collarbone.

The heart is powered specifically by electrical currents to stimulate the muscles to contract and squeeze blood in and out of the chambers correctly. If the correct electric circuit does not fire, the heart contraction is dysfunctional. Normally, the electrical circuit begins in the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrium (or upper chamber) of the heart. The SA node triggers between 60 to 100 times per minute in an adult. The pulse begins at the top of the heart and travels to the bottom of the heart, and the contraction follows the same path. The contractions pump blood to the body.

When the electrical impulses are misfiring, a pacemaker is used to return those signals to normal. A pacemaker has a pulse generator, leads, and electrodes on each lead. The pulse generator contains a small computer and a battery.

When the computer detects an irregular heartbeat, the pulse generator delivers a shock through the leads into the heart. The shock will jolt the heart back into a normal rhythm.

Our physicians at Stanislaus Cardiology in Modesto, California, offer pacemakers to patients with irregular heartbeats. Call 209-521-9661 for an appointment.