Heart Problems: Living With a Pacemaker

Pacemakers are small electrical devices that help control the timing of your heartbeat.

A pacemaker is implanted under the skin of your chest wall. The pacemaker's wires are passed through a vein into the chambers of your heart. The pacemaker sends out small electrical pulses that keep your heart from beating too slowly.

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To be sure that your device is working right, you will need to have it checked regularly. Pacemakers can stop working because of loose or broken wires or other problems. Your doctor also will make sure that your pacemaker settings are right for what your body needs.

You may need to go to your doctor's office, or you may be able to get the device checked over the phone or the Internet.

Pacemakers run on batteries. In most cases, pacemaker batteries last 5 to 15 years. When it's time to replace the battery, you'll need another surgery, although it will be easier than the surgery you had to place the device. The surgery is easier, because your doctor doesn't have to replace the leads that go to your heart.

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When you have a pacemaker, it's important to avoid strong magnetic and electrical fields. The lists below show electrical and magnetic sources and how they may affect your pacemaker. For best results, follow these guidelines. These safety tips also apply to devices that combine an ICD and a pacemaker. If you have questions, check with your doctor.

Having medical tests and procedures

Most medical tests and procedures won't affect your pacemaker, except for MRI, which uses strong magnets. To be safe:

• Let your doctors, dentists, and other health professionals know that you have a pacemaker before you have any test, procedure, or surgery.
• Have your dentist talk to your doctor before you have any dental work or surgery.
• If you need physical therapy, have the therapist contact your doctor before using ultrasound, heat therapy, or electrical stimulation.

Traveling

You can travel safely with a cardiac device. But you'll want to be prepared before you go.

• Bring a list of the names and phone numbers of your doctors.
• Bring your cardiac device identification card with you.
• Know what to do when going through airport security.

Driving

Talk to your doctor about how having a heart rhythm problem may affect your ability to drive.

Letting others know

• Carry a pacemaker identification card with you at all times. The card should include manufacturer information and the model number. Your doctor can give you an ID card.
• Wear medical alert jewelry stating that you have a pacemaker. You can buy this at most drugstores or online.

Going to follow-up visits

• Go to all your appointments with your doctor to make sure that your device is working right.
• Your doctor and/or the device maker will contact you about what to do if your device is recalled.
• If you take heart rhythm medicines, take them as prescribed. The medicines work with your pacemaker to help your heart keep a steady rhythm.

Exercising safely

Pacemakers often are used to improve your ability to exercise. Talk to your doctor about the type and amount of exercise and other activity you can do.

In general:

• You may need to limit your activity if you have an irregular heart rate caused by heart failure or another heart problem.
• Don't play contact sports, such as soccer or basketball, because the device can be damaged. Sports such as swimming, running, walking, tennis, golf, and bicycling are safer.

Stop exercising and call your doctor if you have:

• Pressure or pain in your chest, neck, arm, jaw, or shoulder.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea.
• Unusual shortness of breath or tiredness.
• A heartbeat that feels unusual for you: too fast, too slow, or skipping a beat.
• Other symptoms that cause you concern.

Having sex

Most people who have a pacemaker can have an active sex life. After you get a pacemaker implanted, you'll let your chest heal for a short time. If your doctor says that you can exercise and be active, then it's probably safe for you to have sex.

Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.

When to call a doctor

Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms that could mean your device isn't working properly, such as:

• Your heartbeat is very fast or slow, skipping, or fluttering.
• You feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.
• You have shortness of breath that is new or getting worse.

Call your doctor right away if you think you have an infection near your device. Signs of an infection include:

• Changes in the skin around your device, such as swelling, warmth, redness, and pain.
• An unexplained fever.

Continue to Where?

Now that you have read this information, you know more about living with a pacemaker.

If you have questions about this information, print it out and take it with you when you visit your doctor. You may want to make notes on pages where you have questions.