Permanent Pacemaker (PPM) Implantation

What is Permanent Pacemaker (PPM)?

A Permanent Pacemaker (PPM) is an implantable device used for long-term treatment of arrhythmias with slow heart rate. It consists of a battery-powered generator and leads which connect the generator to the patient’s heart. If the heart rate is slow, the pacemaker will stimulate the heart at a desirable rate.

Why is Permanent Pacemaker (PPM) required?

Heart rhythm is mainly controlled by the conduction system of the heart. Any abnormality in the conduction system may result in abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Arrhythmias with slow heart rate cause dizziness, fainting attack (syncope), heart failure or occasionally cardiac death.

The implantation of PPM can help to restore the heart rate back to normal so that the symptoms of dizziness or fainting attack can be relieved. This is a procedure performed by the cardiologist under local anaesthesia in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

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