As the problems affecting hearts increase, so does the urge or necessity to implant a pacemaker.

Usually, it is used in case of people with slow or irregular heartbeat. The cost of pacemaker implantation varies from one country to another.

It also costs a bit differently in multiple cities in India.

Curious to know the cost of pacemaker implantation in India?

In this blog, Karetrip will help you learn more about pacemaker implants as well as factors that affect the cost of a pacemaker implant in different cities in India.

Prevalence Rate of Heart Diseases

As per an estimate given earlier, 1 out of every 13 people is a victim of circulatory or heart disease. A study carried out in the year 2019 reports that, internationally both men and women suffer from circulatory and heart diseases are the main reasons for their death.

The other common causes of CVD deaths include atrial fibrillation, rheumatic heart disease, and hypertensive heart diseases. More people die globally from coronary artery diseases than before due to various reasons as outlined below.

The prevalence rate of CHD in India has shown wide variations over the past few decades; with rates reported as 1.6% to 7.4% in rural areas and 1% to 13.2% in metropolitan systems.

What is a Pacemaker?

Being a small, implantable device under the skin in your chest the pacemaker is used to dictate your heartbeat rhythm.

If you have an irregular heartbeat particularly a slow one then it is used to help your heartbeat be more regular. The surgery is required for placing a pacemaker inside the chest.

Before having a pacemaker installed the patient must first be sedated, and then an incision is made near the shoulder.

Finally, to assist in regulating irregular cardiac rhythms, this device will be implanted subcutaneously just below the collarbone.

How Does a Pacemaker Work?

By knowing this, an Implanted electronic Pacemaker works similar to your natural electrical system. A pacemaker consists of two parts:

Pulse generator: This little metal box consists of a battery and the electrical circuitry that controls the speed at which electrical pulses are sent to your heart.

Leads (electrodes): One to three thin, flexible insulated wires are inserted in each chamber, or chambers, of your heart and deliver the electrical pulses that are used to adjust your heart rate.

It is only when required that the pacemakers function. In the event your heartbeat is too slow (bradycardia), the pacemaker delivers electric impulses to your heart for correcting the beat.

Furthermore, the latest pacemakers are endowed with sensors including those that can detect body motion or breathing rate which will signal the pacemaker to speed up heart rate during exercise as needed.

Cost of Pacemaker Implantation in India

There are several factors which can significantly affect the cost of pacemaker implantation in India depending upon the type of pacemaker chosen, facility, location, surgeons fees and any other medical costs.

The cost components, in general, include the cost for the device itself which may vary based on its kind (single chamber, dual chamber or biventricular pacemakers), brand and other factors. More complex devices with new technology are generally more expensive.

India has become a medical tourism destination in recent years because it offers high-quality healthcare at comparatively lower costs than many Western nations.

A lot of foreign patients choose to have their pacemakers implanted and undergo other medical operations in India since the country’s famous hospitals and clinics offer high-quality healthcare at affordable prices.

Hospitals in metropolitan cities or specialised cardiac centres might charge more due to better facilities, expertise, and advanced technologies available. However, some government hospitals or smaller healthcare facilities may offer these services at comparatively lower prices.

Pacemaker Implantation Cost Range

The minimum Pacemaker Implantation Cost in India starts from INR Rs.40,000. The average price of a Pacemaker implant in India is INR Rs. 50,000. The maximum amount to be paid for Pacemaker implant in India is up to INR Rs. 55,000.

A few of the factors that may affect the cost of Pacemaker Surgery in India are:

• Surgeon fee

• Type of pacemaker used

• Age of the patient

• Admission fee

• The medical condition of the patient

• Admission room that you opted for

• Post-surgical complications that are involved

• Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-rays, ECG, etc.

• When these factors are taken into consideration, the cost of one Pacemaker Implantation in India on average is USD 570 to USD 780 whereas the same surgery in the US costs from USD 9,000 to USD 30,000.

The cost range of pacemaker implantation in India varies for different cities:

Why is India Chosen as the Best For Pacemaker Implantation?

India has become a popular location for a number of medical procedures, including pacemaker installation, due to its recognition for breakthroughs in medical technology and proficiency in healthcare services.

• Minimal waiting times: Unlike some countries where patients might have to wait for extended periods for certain medical procedures, India often offers shorter waiting times for surgeries and treatments.

• Skilled healthcare professionals: India is home to many highly qualified medical specialists, such as heart surgeons and cardiologists, who have experience carrying out difficult surgeries like pacemaker insertion.

• Cost-effectiveness: Compared to many Western countries, medical treatments in India, such as pacemaker implantation, are frequently cheaper. This makes it a desirable choice for people looking for affordable, high-quality healthcare.

• State-of-the-art medical facilities: India has a large number of hospitals and medical facilities that satisfy worldwide standards for medical care thanks to its cutting-edge infrastructure and innovative technologies.

• Quality healthcare services: Despite the cost advantage, the quality of healthcare services in India remains high. Several hospitals in India are accredited by international organisations, ensuring high standards of patient care and safety.

Benefits of Opting For Pacemaker Implantation

A pacemaker implantation can offer numerous benefits for individuals with certain heart conditions. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Improved quality of life: By reducing symptoms such as weariness, dizziness, fainting, and shortness of breath brought on by abnormal cardiac rhythms, a pacemaker can dramatically enhance a person’s quality of life.

• Preventing fainting or blackouts: Due to insufficient blood flow, some arrhythmias might result in blackouts or fainting episodes. Pacemakers, which maintain a steady and appropriate heart rate, can help avoid these occurrences.

• Long-term management: Pacemakers are durable devices that can last for many years, providing continuous support in regulating the heart rate and rhythm.

• Restoring normal heart rhythm: Pacemakers are primarily used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). They help regulate the heartbeat by sending electrical impulses to the heart muscles, ensuring that the heart beats at a normal and steady rate.

• Increased activity level: Individuals with pacemakers often find that they can resume normal activities or exercise routines that were previously limited due to their heart condition.

• Monitoring capabilities: Modern pacemakers are equipped with monitoring functions that let medical professionals keep an eye on the heart’s health from a distance and make necessary changes or interventions on time.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey. - Disclaimer