The bigger picture

Pacemaker fitting is one of the most common forms of heart surgery carried out in the UK. The device – smaller than a matchbox in both size and weight – is attached to the heart in order to detect the speed at which it is beating, and send electrical signals if the rate is too slow.

Like all surgery, pacemaker implantation has some risks – infection, bruising, a punctured lung or a blood leak around the heart can all occur, but these are rare. The highest risk – and even this is unusual – is a wire moving out of position or the pacemaker malfunctioning, which means it is not able to do the job it is intended to do.

The prospect of having something implanted in the body to keep the heart functioning normally is daunting for many, but the high quality of life that is frequently restored as a result of the procedure means the vast majority of patients consider it worthwhile. Having a pacemaker fitted can boost activity levels, resolve symptoms such as breathlessness and dizziness, and reduce the amount of medication needed, which in turn reduces the chance of adverse effects.