Heart pacemaker

There are many different types of permanent pacemakers for different uses. Most commonly, a pacemaker is needed to correct irregular heartbeat, so that there is not too long a pause between heartbeats. If the heart rate is too slow, it can cause fatigue, fainting or shortness of breath. The heart rate slows down as a person ages, but the need for a pacemaker may be caused by conditions such as sick sinus syndrome or atrioventricular septal defects. Sometimes a pacemaker may need to be fitted during heart surgery or as an emergency procedure, but pacemaker fittings at the Sydänkeskus are planned in advance.

The pacemaker is inserted by a cardiology specialist, together with a team of nurses, under operating conditions and takes about an hour. During the procedure, the patient is awake but is given painkillers and relaxation medication.

We perform pacemaker installations and arrange follow-up care at the Sydänkeskus Helsinki. For more information, call the Helsinki service number at 09 3747 9700.