Pacemakers

What are pacemakers?

Pacemakers are medical devices that control the rhythm of your heartbeat. A pacemaker consists of two parts: a generator and leads.

Generator

The pacemaker generator is a battery-operated device that uses electrical impulses to stimulate the beating of your heart. The generator is placed under your skin in your chest near your heart. 

Leads

Leads are the tiny wires that connect the pacemaker generator to your heart. They carry the electrical impulses from the generator to your heart to support normal rhythm. 

Who needs pacemakers?

Your cardiologist at Cardiology Specialists of Orange County may recommend a pacemaker to improve your heart rhythm. Common conditions that may benefit from the medical device include:

• Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)
• Heart block that disrupts or slows normal electrical signals in your heart
• Atrial fibrillation
• Heart damage that slows your heartbeat

Your cardiologist may also recommend a pacemaker if you take medication, such as beta-blockers, that slows down your heartbeat. 

How do pacemakers work?

Pacemakers work by replacing your heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinus node. The sinus node is a collection of cells located in the right upper chamber of your heart. These cells produce the electrical impulses that set the rhythm and pace of your heartbeat.

The electrical signal travels a specific pathway to your heart’s lower chamber to maintain a normal rhythm. This signal is responsible for the lub-dub sound or sensation you feel when listening to your heartbeat. 

The leads from your pacemaker have sensors that monitor the electrical activity in your heart. The sensors transmit the data from your heart to the computer in your pacemaker generator. 

When your heartbeat is abnormal, the generator sends electrical impulses that cue your heart to beat at a normal rate. 

How often do I need a pacemaker checkup?

Cardiology Specialists of Orange County offers a monthly pacer clinic for their patients with pacemakers. The clinic’s purpose is to evaluate your pacemaker without the need for a special doctor’s appointment.

The practice provides quick and efficient care for patients who participate in the pacer clinic, so you’re in and out.  

During a pacer clinic appointment, your cardiologist works with you and the representatives from the pacemaker manufacturers. They assess pacemaker function and make adjustments and replacements as needed.

Your cardiologist may also gather information from the device that may indicate serious health complications such as arrhythmia. 

For expert pacemaker care, call Cardiology Specialists of Orange County or book an appointment online today.