Living With A Pacemaker

No doubt, living with a heart device and getting back to normal life requires some inevitable change and lifestyle adjustment. If you currently have a pacemaker or have been told by your physician that you need one, you probably have some questions you need answers to. This article would help you understand what a pacemaker does, what it doesn’t do, how it works and what you might expect from living with a pacemaker.

What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small electronic device surgically implanted under the skin of the chest to help regulate the heart’s rhythm. It monitors the rhythm of your heart and, when necessary, produces a tiny electric impulse that triggers a heartbeat.

Pacemakers can be used to control tachycardia, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, and heart blocks.

Are pacemaker and defibrillator the same?

Although pacemakers and defibrillators are both devices implanted surgically to treat irregular heart rhythms, there’s a slight difference between them. The job of the pacemaker is to keep the heart beating at the proper rate. On the other hand, the defibrillator detects irregular and dangerous heart rhythm and shocks the heart to slow the heart rate.

How does a pacemaker work?

Contrary to popular opinion, pacemakers don’t take over the function of the heart. After you get a pacemaker implanted, your heart still performs all its functions. What the pacemaker does is to help monitor and regulate your heart rate and rhythm.

The modern pacemaker comprises of two parts: the leads and a pulse generator. The pulse generator, which contains the battery and electronic circuitry, produces the electrical signals that make the heart beat. The leads are insulated, flexible wires that conduct electrical pulses to adjust the heart rate.

The pacemaker works by monitoring the heart’s electrical activity and deciding if and when to pace. If your heart rate becomes too slow, the device paces by transmitting tiny electrical impulses to the heart muscle, causing the heart to contract.

What precautions should I take with my pacemaker?

Your pacemaker would most likely not stop working properly because of electrical interference because it was designed to work properly around most devices and appliances. However, there are a few precautions you’ll need to take:

• Cellular telephones. It is safe to use a phone. However, ensure you keep it at least 6 inches (15cm) away from your pacemaker. Avoid carrying the phone in the breast pocket over your device. When talking on your phone, ensure you hold it to the ear opposite the side where your pacemaker was implanted.
• Magnets. When brought close to your pacemaker, magnets can affect the normal functioning of a pacemaker.
• Airport security metal detectors. Your implanted heart device may set off the alarm in the security machinery. However, it should not interfere with the functioning of your pacemaker. Additionally, before you go through airport security, ensure you tell the agent you have a pacemaker and that they should not use a handheld scanner over your device area for more than a few seconds.
• Arc welders and chain saws. These appliances are powerful enough to interfere with the normal functioning of your pacemaker. You should avoid this equipment.
• Radiation Therapy: This procedure for cancer can damage your pacemaker. If you need radiation therapy, talk with your heart doctor and the doctor performing the radiation treatment before you begin.
• Other medical procedures: If you are having a surgical procedure by a dentist or surgeon, ensure you inform your dentist or surgeon that you have a pacemaker. Certain procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electro-cauterization, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENs), and shockwave lithotripsy may interfere with the activity of your pacemaker.
• Always carry a patient identification card that states that you have a pacemaker. The card should include information about the type of pacemaker, the manufacturer’s information, the date of the implant and the name of the doctor who implanted the device.

Devices such as microwave ovens, televisions and remote controls, radios, toasters, electric blankets, electric shavers, and electric drills can be used as they are unlikely to interfere with the function of your pacemaker.

Can I participate in regular, everyday activities with a pacemaker?

Relatively soon after the pacemaker has been implanted, you should be able to perform all normal activities for a person of your age with very few changes. Your activity is usually limited only when you are recovering from the procedure. Since the recovery rate for everyone varies, the limits to your activities will depend on your doctor’s instruction.

Can I exercise with a pacemaker?

Physical activity is safe for patients with a pacemaker. You should be able to exercise but ensure you ask for your doctor’s advice and recommendations before returning or beginning any exercise program.

However, when involved in a recreational or sporting activity, you should avoid rough contact to avoid receiving a blow to the area over your pacemaker. A hit to the chest near the pacemaker can affect its functioning. If you do get a hit to that area or feel ill after an activity, consult your doctor.

How can I ensure my pacemaker is working properly?

Even though the pacemaker is built to last for several years, ensure you check the pacemaker regularly to certify it is pacing properly. You can check the accuracy of your pacemaker using the following methods:

• Take your pulse regularly to ensure the pacemaker is keeping your pulse at the minimum rate.
• Report any new symptoms or similar symptoms you had before you pacemaker implant to your doctor immediately
• Check with your physician regularly for check-ups.

What should I do if I hear an unusual sound coming from my pacemaker?

If you hear an alert from your implanted device, call your doctor immediately for further instructions. Your caregiver will have determined the conditions that will trigger an alert, and the time of day the alert will occur.

How frequently will I need to see my doctor for my pacemaker?

After your pacemaker has been implanted and you have recovered from the implant surgery, your doctor will recommend how often you should be evaluated because it varies by patient and condition.

During these routine check-ups, your doctor will monitor your heart medications and evaluate changes in any symptoms that you may be experiencing. They will also ensure that your device functions are set to levels that meet your needs and make any adjustments if necessary. They may decide to send you to a doctor who specializes in monitoring individuals with implanted heart devices.

At Cardiovascular Specialist South Florida, we will provide convenience through remote monitoring of your heart device. Contact us today.

Who should I tell about my pacemaker?

Your doctor, nurse and dentist should be aware that you have a pacemaker fitted, as you may need to avoid some medical tests and procedures. Also, you should tell your family and close friends that you have a heart device fitted.

How long will my pacemaker last?

The pacemaker can last indefinitely, but the battery, depending on how often it is used, should last 7 to 10 years. After that time, the battery will need to be replaced. Replacing a pacemaker generator is a relatively quick and simple procedure that may be done with or without an overnight stay in the hospital.

Conclusion

Pacemakers are designed to improve the quality of life, not limit it. It can help people enjoy healthier, happier and more productive lives. And generally speaking, this is what happens. Once your pacemaker is implanted and you recover from the implantation surgery, none of the precautions you need to take are burdensome. In fact, you can lead your normal life without ever thinking about it.

Do you have a pacemaker implanted? Are you new to the pacemaker life?  At South Florida Cardiovascular Specialists, we offer individual counseling to people who are new to the pacemaker life. We will guide you through all details regarding the surgical procedure, risks, and lifestyle guidelines of living with a pacemaker.

Also, if you feel fatigued or have noticed a recent change in your heart rate, contact us today to schedule an appointment.