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Living with a Pacemaker
In order to help a patient suffering from tachycardia or an irregular heartbeat, a doctor will often suggest that the patient get a pacemaker. A pacemaker is a small electronic device that is surgically implanted into a patient's chest. The device sends an electric signal to the heart, helping regulate heartbeat.
If you've recently received a pacemaker or if your doctor has talked to you about getting a pacemaker, you might be wondering how a pacemaker will impact and/or limit your lifestyle. In most instances, people can lead full, normal lives after receiving a pacemaker. In fact, many people's lives improve after they get a pacemaker.
Life after a Pacemaker
After receiving your pacemaker, you should be able to return to many of your normal activities. After recovering from surgery, you should be able to:
- drive your car
- exercise moderately (Always talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program.)
- fly in an airplane
- participate in sports and other recreational activities
- perform chores around the house and in the yard
- return to your work
- resume your sex life
- take showers and baths
- wear your normal clothing.
Of course, if you ever feel ill after performing an activity you should immediately contact your doctor.
Pacemaker Precautions
Naturally, there are some things you should keep in mind after receiving a pacemaker. Once you have a pacemaker, you should:
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Abstain from diathermy (a method of using heat to treat muscles). Such therapy uses high-energy fields that can affect pacemaker function.
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Always carry an ID card to let people know you are wearing a pacemaker.
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Avoid certain high-voltage or radar machinery, such as radio or television transmitters, high-tension wires, radar installations, etc.
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Avoid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines or other large magnetic fields.
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Avoid receiving a blow to the chest, as this type of injury could affect the performance of the pacemaker. If you do receive a blow to the chest area, consult your physician.
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Before any medically invasive procedure, ask your physician if you need to take an antibiotic to prevent infections that could affect the pacemaker.
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Check with your doctor to determine whether or not it is safe for you to go through airport security detectors. If you cannot go through such a detector with your pacemaker, you can request a hand search.
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Consult your physician if you have any questions about using certain equipment near your pacemaker.
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If you are having a procedure performed by a surgeon or dentist, tell him that you have a pacemaker.
- Turn off large motors, such as cars or boats, when working on them, as these could temporarily impact your pacemaker's rate.
Checking Your Pacemaker
While most of the pacemakers manufactured today will last eight to 10 years, you should check your pacemaker regularly to ensure that it is working properly. To check your pacemaker, follow these simple steps:
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Have your physician perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your pacemaker's pacing lead, the lead that sends information from the heart to the pacemaker. In addition, you may be able to check your pacemaker over the telephone. Your physician will provide special instructions for performing telephone checkups.
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Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor. Also, let your doctor know if you are experiencing any symptoms similar to the ones you had before getting the pacemaker.
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See your physician regularly to monitor your pacemaker and your heart health.
- Take your pulse regularly to make sure your pulse is at its targeted rate. If your pulse is fluctuating or abnormal, it could be a sign that your pacemaker is malfunctioning.
Resources
Cedars-Sinai Heart Center. Living with a Pacemaker. Retrieved June 13, 2007, from Cedar-Sinai Web site: http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/8502.html.
Oregon Health & Science University. LIVING WITH A PACEMAKER. Retrieved June 13, 2007, from Oregon Health & Science University Web site: http://www.ohsu.edu/health/
health-topics/topic.cfm?id=10394&parent=12326.
