Why Would a Person Need a Pacemaker?

Pacemakers are sometimes recommended for people with conditions that cause the heart to beat abnormally. Each time the heart beats, the heart muscle contracts (pulls inwards) in preparation for pumping blood around the body. The contractions are triggered by electrical pulses.

What is the life expectancy of a person with a pacemaker?

The typical lifetime of a pacemaker can vary between five and fifteen years, says Dr Syed Ahsan, Consultant Cardiologist. The longevity of the device has improved greatly in recent times. The typical lifetime of a pacemaker can vary between five and fifteen years, says Dr Syed Ahsan, Consultant Cardiologist.

Is needing a pacemaker serious?

Even though pacemakers are a big deal — after all, they can prevent heart failure — getting a pacemaker is not often top of mind, even when cardiovascular symptoms arise. It's definitely possible to need a pacemaker and not know it.