A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that helps regulate the beating of your heart. It’s usually implanted under the skin in the chest, with wires threaded through veins to the heart. If your heart rate is too slow, a pacemaker can help.

A pacemaker doesn’t cure the underlying cause of the slow heart rate, but it can improve your quality of life and help you live longer. In some cases, a pacemaker may be needed to treat a heart condition that’s present at birth (congenital heart defect). The cost of pacemaker surgery can vary depending on the type of pacemaker, the complexity of the surgery, and the country you’re in. In general, pacemaker surgery is a safe and effective procedure with a low complication rate. The average cost of pacemaker surgery in Namibia is $1,500.