The average patient age for a pacemaker has increased during that period as well, rising from 73 to 75 years of age. Of course, that also meant the recipients were likely to have multiple maladies, including kidney problems or diabetes. That makes it more risky for the patient, who are older and sicker. The rates of infection have risen along with the number of operations.

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE

Pacemakers are increasingly becoming used to stimulate two chambers of the heart, and thus are known as “dual-chamber” pacemakers. As of 2009, they comprised more than 80 percent of all implants, making them by far the most dominant device in the realm, particularly in the U.S. Of course, that comes at a price – the dual model pacemaker is more expensive than the single-chamber model, rising to $78,000 by 2009, and that doesn’t include the added hospital charges or medications.

But the American College of Cardiology has made the dual-chamber model its recommended choice, noting that it seems more effective than the single-chamber device.

SHOULD I GET ONE?

It’s obviously a doctor’s call as to whether you need a pacemaker. Candidates with irregular heartbeats are the most likely candidates.

As the heart ages, certain changes occur, and some medications you may take for other problems in the body can affect the heart. Some people may have genetic conditions that manifest as they age, resulting in a heartbeat disruption.