With the rise in heart problems such as hypertensive heart disease, atrial fibrillation rheumatic heart disease, and many others, the urge or the necessity to implant the pacemaker is also increasing. A pacemaker is often used to treat individuals with a slow or irregular heartbeat. The cost of pacemaker implantation is different in different countries. In India too, the cost is a bit different in multiple cities. This blog very descriptively explains the whole of pacemaker implants and how the price varies in different cities in India.
Prevalence Rate of Heart Diseases
An estimated 1 in 13 persons worldwide suffer from a heart or circulatory ailment. and 260 million males. The leading causes of death worldwide in 2019 were heart and circulatory disorders; for both men and women, coronary heart disease led to the global death toll in 2019 followed by stroke. Atrial fibrillation, rheumatic heart disease, and hypertensive heart disease are other prevalent cardiovascular causes of death. More individuals are dying from coronary heart disease globally than ever before. Over the past few decades, estimates of the prevalence of coronary heart disease in India have varied, with figures ranging from 1.6% to 7.4% in rural areas and from 1% to 13.2% in metropolitan areas.
According to 2019 estimates, there is a varied range of heart diseases that are prevalent worldwide. The following table explains the prevalence rate of heart diseases for both men and women:
| Men | Women | ||
| Coronary heart disease | 5 million | Coronary heart disease | 4.2 million |
| Stroke | 3.3 million | Stroke | 3.2 million |
| COPD | 1.9 million | COPD | 1.4 million |
| Lung cancer | 1.4 million | Lung cancer | 1.2 million |
| Lower respiratory infections | 1.3 million | Lower respiratory infections | 1.0 million |
You can also learn about the top 10 cardiologists in India
What is a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small device that’s placed under the skin in your chest to help control your heartbeat. If you have an irregular heartbeat, especially a slow one, it is used to assist your heartbeat more consistently. Surgery is necessary to implant a pacemaker in the chest. In order to install a pacemaker, the patient must first be sedated, and then a small incision is made close to the shoulder. Next, in order to help regulate irregular cardiac rhythms, the surgeon will implant the generator beneath the skin, close to the collarbone.
A pacemaker implant is recommended for individuals during the following conditions:
How Does a Pacemaker Work?
An implanted electronic pacemaker mimics the action of your natural electrical system.
A pacemaker comprises two parts:
Pulse generator. This small metal container houses a battery and the electrical circuitry that regulates the rate of electrical pulses sent to your heart.
Leads (electrodes). One to three flexible, insulated wires are each placed in a chamber, or chambers, of your heart and deliver the electrical pulses to adjust your heart rate.
Pacemakers work only when needed. If your heartbeat is too slow (bradycardia), the pacemaker sends electrical signals to your heart to correct the beat.
Also, newer pacemakers have sensors that detect body motion or breathing rate, which signal the pacemakers to increase heart rate during exercise, as needed.
Pacemaker Implantation Cost in India
The type of pacemaker, facility of choice, location, surgeon’s fees, and any other medical costs can all have a substantial impact on the cost of pacemaker implantation in India. The pacemaker device itself, which varies in price according to its kind (single-chamber, dual-chamber, or biventricular pacemakers), brand, and other factors, usually makes up the cost components. Pacemakers with more sophisticated or cutting-edge technology are typically 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 specialized cardiac centers 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 cost for a Pacemaker implantation 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:
1. Surgeon fee
2. Type of pacemaker used
3. Age of the patient
4. Admission fee
5. The medical condition of the patient
6. Admission room that you opted for
7. Post-surgical complications that are involved
8. 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:
| Name of the City | Cost |
| Bangalore | Rs.41,000 – Rs.55,000 |
| Delhi | Rs.41,000 – Rs.55,000 |
| Mumbai | Rs.41,000 – Rs.55,000 |
| Gurgaon | Rs.41,000 – Rs.55,000 |
| Chennai | Rs.41,000 – Rs.55,000 |
| Hyderabad | Rs.41,000 – Rs.55,000 |
Why India is 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 organizations, ensuring high standards of patient care and safety.
Learn more about Choosing Medical Treatment in India
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.
Key Takeaway
For those looking for high-quality medical care at a lower cost than in many Western nations, the cost of pacemaker implantation in India is an attractive offer. Modern facilities, cost-effectiveness, and highly qualified medical personnel make India a top choice for medical tourists seeking pacemaker installation.
The type of pacemaker, the facility used, the patient’s particular medical conditions, and any additional procedures or testing needed can all affect the total cost. India is a desirable alternative for individuals looking for both cost-effective healthcare and high levels of care since, in spite of possible savings, patients may anticipate high standards of care and skill in the operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the success rate of pacemaker implantation?
Pacemaker implantations are extremely successful, with rates greater than 99 percent. For a 3-lead pacemaker system, the success rates are about 97 percent.
- Is pacemaker implantation a major surgery?
Pacemaker surgery is generally a minor surgery that may take around 1-2 hours to complete. The pacemaker is implanted under the skin of the chest, and there is no need for open-heart surgery.
- How long does pacemaker surgery take?
The procedure usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, but it can take longer if you’re having other heart surgery at the same time.
- How long does it take to recover from pacemaker surgery?
You may be able to see or feel the outline of the pacemaker under your skin. You will probably be able to go back to work or your usual routine 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Pacemaker batteries usually last 5 to 15 years.