Pacemaker.

[Lydia1960]

Does anyone know how much a pacemaker, fitted privately, costs? And any related details.

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

You are probably looking at around £5,000. There could also be additional costs for any tests/scans that may be necessary if they feel they have not got a complete picture of your condition.

[Lydia1960 in reply to MichaelJH]

That's quite a sum. Just wondering that, if a diagnosis of heart failure, or related heart disease, is given, and surgery is not possible, what would be the best way to try to prevent an actual heart attack from happening?

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Lydia1960]

Heart attacks have many and varied causes from a clot in an artery (often narrowed) to an electrical glitch. I do not know your diagnosis but if it is 'self' or Dr Google it could be wrong! Have you been diagnosed as needing a pacemaker by a cardiologist? As for keeping well: eat a healthy low fat balanced diet, maintain a healthy BMI, do not smoke (no idea if you do), exercise within your limits (GP can advise) and don't worry.

Don't consider private treatment unless you have appropriate insurance or deep pockets. I came across someone who went for a £22k op - however, there were complications and a longish stay in hospital. Total bill in excess of £100k!

[Lydia1960 in reply to MichaelJH]

That sounds quite a outcome! From £22k to 100k! Thanks for the warning...

[nilmonisikdar40 in reply to Lydia1960]

Heart is a pump which has two components the electrical system which is called the conducting system which sends electrical impulses from one part of the heart to another and the second component is the plumbing system which are the coronary arteries through which the blood flows. The mechanism how it does so is slightly complicated. Heart attack, angina is caused by blockage or partial blockage of blood flow. The conducting or the electrical system is caused by activation of natural pacemaker high up and electrifies the lower part of the body called ventricles by two wires called the right branch and left branch electrifying the right and left ventricles. The abnormalities of the electric system causes abnormally low heart rate or rapid heart rate. It does not cause heart attack. Lydia, I hope I have been able to throw some light but these are the basics.

[stevejb1810]

You can find these sorts of answers on search engines (Google and the like). Some quote just for the procedure and others for the procedure plus any related care costs while still in the care of the hospital. You can ring private hospitals and ask them. Pacemakers at £5000 would be at the bottom end of the cardiac intervention scale.

[derekfirman36]

Why go private when if you need it NHS will fit as part of your treatment.

Following 18 months of tests I was fitted with a loop recorder which gave a complete record of my heart function. Within a very few days clearly indicated the need of a Pacemaker ! My Cardiac Consultant immediately called me into hospital and fitted a unit ( 7 Days )

Good luck Derek

[Lydia1960 in reply to derekfirman36]

That's great news! Great to see you are still going strong...!

[Helen_BHF]

Hi Lydia1960 - if you need any further info, you can check out the BHF website: bhf.org.uk/heart-health/tre.... You can also chat to our cardiac nurses on 0300 330 331 and they'll be happy to talk you through things. Hope this helps!

[Lydia1960 in reply to Helen_BHF]

Thanks for this idea! Will check out that website..

[Lydia1960]

Just tried the googl e search. Some relevant details on there, so thanks for that suggestion.. And, definitely, I will ring around to see what figures are quoted..

[nilmonisikdar40]

Hi Lydia, I had pacemaker fitted in year 2000 as NHS. However I had some work done privately to fix the PPM as something went went soon after the implant of PPM. It was done at KIMS private hospital, Maidstone, Kent, phone no [*phone number removed*]. Was there a long waiting time to have it done as NHS patient or for some other reason. I hope that helps