Bridging the Heart Health Gap: The Power of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices - Dr Santosh Kumar Dora
In a world where technological advancements continue to reshape the landscape of healthcare, cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have emerged as silent heroes, offering a lifeline to millions battling heart conditions. Every year, nearly 2 million CIED insertions are performed globally, transforming the lives of countless patients.
On this World Heart Day, It is crucial to recognize the invaluable role these devices play in safeguarding heart health while acknowledging the stark reality that still, a significant number of individuals lack access to them.
CIEDs encompass a range of electronic implants, including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. Each serves a specific purpose in managing cardiac disorders, making them indispensable for those afflicted with heart rhythm irregularities and other cardiovascular conditions.
Pacemakers are small electronic devices implanted beneath the skin, typically in the chest area. They are designed to monitor the heart's electrical activity and deliver electrical impulses when necessary to regulate heart rate. These devices act as the dependable conductor of the heart's orchestra, ensuring that it beats in a steady rhythm.
ICDs, on the other hand, are a remarkable innovation for individuals at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. These devices are capable of detecting and correcting abnormal heart rhythms by delivering precisely timed electrical shocks, thus preventing sudden cardiac arrest.
CRT devices, also known as biventricular pacemakers, are specifically designed for heart failure patients. They coordinate the contraction of the heart's chambers to improve its pumping efficiency, offering a better quality of life and increased longevity to those who need it most.
While these devices have undoubtedly saved countless lives and improved the well-being of millions, the unfortunate reality is that approximately 1 million patients worldwide who desperately require CIEDs do not have access to them. This heart-wrenching gap in care highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, resources, and equitable distribution of these life-saving technologies.
As we move forward, it is essential to acknowledge the incredible strides made in cardiac care through CIEDs. Still, it is equally vital to join hands in addressing the global disparities in access to these devices.
By advocating for better healthcare infrastructure, increased medical training, and enhanced affordability, we can work towards ensuring that no one's heart health is compromised due to a lack of access to these technological marvels.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.
