Are you on artificial pacemaker or you know someone that is, this article is for you

Been a while of absence here. Let's see what we will make out this free period. You would agree with me, the older we get, the more responsibilities. Reason some people term 'Adulthood as scam'. Regardless, setting your priorities right helps you accomplish your set goals. So today, we will get on with the discussion right away.

The intent today is to discuss and give you little heads up about something worth knowing. The article won't be long as usual but will pass very important information you might not be aware off. It's all about the human heart and its replacement option (artificial pace maker).

The heart is a muscular organ in the body that plays a critical role of distributing blood to all parts of the body through its pumping activity that is generated by a bunch of muscle cells that work in unison. These cells are collectively called the pacemakers found in the sinoatrial node (SA node).

These cells generate the electrical activity of the heart. Without the activity of these muscle cells, there won't be electricity generation needed for pumping action of the heart. The SA node accounts for the reason why the heart can independently continue pumping despite removed from the body for transplant.

Being a metabolically active organ, placing it on ice reduces the metabolic activity hence prolonging its activity time outside the body - the main reason heart is transported in ice containers. I refer you to this article - 'How the heart independently generate its energy for contraction: Revealing some unsung facts about the heart' incase you want to have an in-depth expository to the mechanism behind the heart function.

The activity of the heart could fail for several reasons and these can range from congenital to secondary causes. You can as well have a good understanding of the topic by visiting this article - 'Discussion: Cardiovascular disease and antihypertensive drug's effect on the circulating biomarkers of heart disease'. My main focus is on the pacemaker (The SA node).

Like I earlier pointed out, without the pacemaker, the heart cannot function. Some heart disease or damage do warrant complete replacement of the heart with a new one or with an artificial pacemaker in case of fail action potential generation. In essence, not all heart diseases require heart replacement. The moment the heart is unable to generate the electricity (action potential) required for its activity, this is referred to as failed pacemaker. In such case, artificial pacemaker implant is inevitable.

Artificial pacemaker

These artificial pacemakers generate electrical current just like the natural pacemakers and they excite the cardiac muscles to contract, resulting to heart pump action. The invention of these pacemakers have greatly alleviated the problem of heart diseases associated with failed heart function. As much as these artificial pacemakers aim to replace the natural ones, they have some shortcomings and one of this, is the need for their replacement as at when due. Besides, their function is prone to interference by several factors. These factors are basically what I want to bring to your attention. Read on and find out.

You probably might not be fully aware, most heavily guarded facilities have electronic scanners, and even Medical scanners, such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines that scan individual trying to gain entrance to such facility or one who arrives for medical examination. You find these scanners more in airports. Though, airports might be very obvious, but places might not be. The question here is this; what is the relationship between these scanners and the artificial pacemakers?

It is a well known fact that, over exposure to X-rays have effect on humans. hence, the reason it is not advisable to be exposed to them more than thrice a year. Most of these MRI machines use strong electromagnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of our body. Now the bad news here is this, the magnetic field generated by these machines interfere with the function of the artificial pacemaker, thereby potentially causing it to malfunction or deliver inappropriate electrical impulses to the heart.

Electronic scanner

Pacemakers generate signals and these signals are usually monitored to make sure that they are functioning optimally. These enables the physicians to closely monitored the patient's heart status. Imagine a case where the artificial pacemaker generates electrical action potential that is far higher than the require voltage. This will only end up worsening the patient's condition.

According to the report by Minoru Hirose and colleagues,

X-ray radiation caused EMI in some implantable cardiac pacemakers, probably because the CMOS component was irradiated. The occurrence of EMI depended on the pacemaker model, sensing threshold of the pacemaker, and x-ray radiation conditions.

The principle behind the interaction between artificial pacemakers and medical scanners, such as MRI machines, is related to the strong magnetic fields generated by the scanners.

The interference of MRI can be very dangerous for people with artificial pacemakers and to a greater extent, can be very life-threatening. They can cause the artificial pacemaker to generate erratic signals that can cause the heart to beat abnormally. As a precaution, facilities with electronic scanners are not suitable for individuals with pacemakers.

Before you undergo or subject yourself to any form of electronic scanning, it is always advisable to inform the health personnel. You subject yourself when it is absolutely necessary. Besides, the physician must be aware of these so that adjustment can be made prior or after the scan. This is the main problem associated with the use of artificial pacemakers.

There have been several precautionary measures laid out by the American heart association. You can read more through the link provided here.

Don’t linger near an EAS system longer than is necessary.
Be aware that EAS systems are often hidden or camouflaged near the exits for businesses such as retailers.
Don’t lean against the system’s sensors.

In as much as these interference exist, advances have been made to make these artificial pacemakers to be reasonably resistant to interference. However, as a general rule, it is much better to avoid exposure to devices that generate electromagnetic radiations. If you are on artificial pacemaker or you know once who might not be aware of this, you would only be doing such individual a great favour by informing or reminding them of the consequences.

As humans, we might tend to forget some of these subtle things that could have fatal consequences when we fall prey. If you are on artificial pacemaker, draw the attention of the personnel that wants you under any form of scanning and as well as your physician. These will put them on alert to monitor your pacemaker and if adjustments need to made, it will be done asap.

Ignorance can prove fatal. Alright, this is just what I have for you today. Hopefully you grabbed one or two things. Take care of your heart by having good diets. The importance of exercises cannot be overemphasized. Go low on calories.

The heart is the engine room that pumps the human fuel (blood) for optimal function. Do not let the engine knock.

See ya!

References
_{•Devices that May Interfere with ICDs and Pacemakers
•Electromagnetic Interference on Pacemakers
•Advice to prevent consequences of interference in cardiac device patients published today}