A pacemaker is used to monitor and control a person's heartbeat. This electronic device is implanted into the chest and is connected to the heart with electrical wires. Pacemakers prompt the heart to beat at a healthy rate and rhythm.
Heart Attack
According to the Mayo Clinic, patients who have suffered a heart attack or undergone surgery may need a temporary pacemaker in order to normalize a slow heartbeat.
Drug Overdose
A drug overdose may cause an abnormally slow heart rate that must be treated with a temporary pacemaker.
Bradycardia
A chronically slowed heartbeat, or bradycardia, may require a permanent pacemaker.
Heart Failure
Biventricular pacemakers can be implanted permanently to treat patients who have experienced heart failure.
Complications
According to the Mayo Clinic, patients may experience complications after a pacemaker has been surgically implanted, including bleeding, bruising or infection.
Precautions
Patients should not place a cellular phone directly over the site where a pacemaker was implanted and should stand at least two feet away from power generating equipment.
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