An informal discussion about Pacemakers (PM’s)

(Article courtesy: Ken Brown)

During our recent informal small group discussion sharing information about pacemakers, it became uncomfortably clear that we laymen easily bandy about the lingo of medicine, but we rarely dig far enough below the surface to deepen our understanding. Consequently, as all attendees shared their experiences, our pacemaker coffee chat yielded more than a few surprises.

Before reading a few first-hand experiences, a short pacemaker side-bar is in order.

Pacemakers: the What and Why?

What?
A pacemaker (PM) regulates an erratic heartbeat: too fast, too slow or irregular. Erratic electrical signals to the heart need to be supervised and the solution, developed accidentally in 1956, was implanted into the first human in March, 1961. PMs are now implanted at the rate of 600,000 per year.

Why?
A PM offsets unacceptable heart rhythms that cause light-headedness or dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, fainting, shortness of breath or diagnosed bradycardia (slow heart beat), atrial fibrillation (AF – make sure to browse the AF website after the last paragraph).

Member Experiences

All members but one reported that their pacemakers were recommended by their cardiologists. The exception was a clever fellow who deduced from his ongoing tiredness and erratic heart rate that a pacemaker might be in order. At his request, a Medtronic two lead pacemaker was promptly implanted. The result? Immediate; he felt no need for his usual late morning or mid-afternoon nap and was soon racking up impressive numbers of kilometers on his bike.

Most procedures involve an inconspicuous, six-centimeter incision in the upper left chest, where the PM is then inserted. Medtronic was the brand name members most often mentioned, and its devices usually feature one or two leads that are placed into the heart. On the other hand, one member had his new pacemaker implanted into his right ventricle muscle through an incision in his upper thigh. His PM no leads. When the battery runs out, a new leadless PM will be installed, leaving the spent one turned off and in place.

One fellow eleven years ago suffered from bradycardia (abnormally slow heartbeat, shortened to “brady” in medical circles). Upon acquiring his pacemaker, he found that it kicked in automatically whenever his heart rate sank to 40 bpm. Another member, so far pacemaker free, described how he had been in line for one forty years ago because his heart kept stopping. Performing his own investigation, he wondered idly whether his coffee addiction could be the culprit. Once he cut out the java, his heart quickly got the message and cut out the stoppages. Heads up to card carrying Starbucks fanatics!

We were surprised to learn that not all of these magical devices are intended to regulate slow heart rates. After undergoing two valve replacements, another member had an irregular pulse rate that seems to be kept in check by his PM

The need for a pm or a defibrillator is not always discovered in an orderly fashion in a doctor’s office.  One member had a heart related incident at home in his den. Luckily for him, his wife was up early that day called 911, where both devices were implanted.

Recent technology permits device monitoring from home. The pm or defibrillator communicates with the manufacturer and / or your doctor. The member expressly noted that such monitoring is not for emergency use. As numerous members advised, ALWAYS call 911.

Many of you know that your cell phone or watch will constantly monitor and save (for a small fee) pulse. This technological innovation proved its worth for one chap who was meeting with a prospective cardiologist. He was able to relay months of records to his new doctor, sidestepping some redundant tests and delays.

In closing, consider one of our number who has hosted his pacemaker for over 20 years refuses to look his age. One might guess at 73, but not only is he 83, his pacemaker-wearing mother is 104! Our youthful-looking member shared the true story of John Abbott with us: In 1984, George Abbott, a 96-year-old American musical theatre actor, was fitted out with his first pacemaker. Upon hearing that its battery required replacement every ten years, Abbott erupted, “You mean I’m going to have to come back here in 10 years and go through all this again?” Fortunately, return he did, and, sure enough, went through the whole damn experience again, leaving him fit as a fiddle to attend the Broadway revival of one of his greatest hits, “Damn Yankees”!

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Editors’ note (i.e. disclaimer for our club): VRMNC is NOT in the business of dispensing medical advice.  If anyone feels they may have a health issue, then please go see the appropriate health professional!