Pacemakers

This week in class we learned about the circulatory system.  The heart consists of two atria and two ventricles.  The atria receives blood from the veins and sends the blood to the ventricles.  The ventricles receive the blood from the atria and pump the blood out through the arteries.  We also learned as we age there is a decrease in oxygen delivered to the muscles.  Cardiac output and heart rate also decrease as you age.  My Grandfather has had a pacemaker ever since I was little.  I was told that it was to maintain his heart rate.  We also had to tell him if we were using the microwave because the microwave could either stop the pacemaker or adjust the heart rate it was set at.  Supposedly the newer pacemakers are not affected by the use of the microwave.  Recently he had a new pacemaker implanted.  Not only do pacemakers help the heart rate they also help heart arrhythmia's, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure.  The small device itself is placed in the abdomen or the chest.  The device gives out electrical pulses to control the heart rate.  (information on the pacemaker below)

http://www.medicinenet.com/pacemaker/article.htm