If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia) or severe congestive heart failure, our board-certified cardiologists at Sunnyvale Cardiology may prescribe a pacemaker. This small, implantable device emits continuous electrical pulses that keep your heart beating normally. A pacemaker can:
By keeping your heartbeat consistent, a pacemaker prevents debilitating symptoms like dizziness and fatigue; it also reduces your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Here, our expert team offers nine important tips for worry-free living with a pacemaker.
If you receive a pacemaker to treat an arrhythmia, medication is probably also part of your cardiac care plan. Be sure to take prescribed medications as directed, as these medicines work in conjunction with your pacemaker to help regulate your heartbeat.
When you have a pacemaker, it’s more important than ever to make lifestyle choices that support good cardiovascular health. This means maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a heart-healthy diet (i.e., the DASH eating plan), not smoking, limiting your intake of alcohol, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress levels.
Daily exercise is an integral part of heart-healthy living, but when you have a pacemaker, it’s important to listen to your body. Whether you’re walking, swimming, or riding your bike, don’t push yourself past your limits; your workouts should leave you feeling strong and energized, not weak and exhausted.
Any device that uses electricity, emits a strong magnetic force, or transmits a wireless signal — including your cellphone — is surrounded by an invisible electromagnetic field that can create electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Close or prolonged contact with EMI-generating devices can stop your pacemaker from working properly, and you can’t always tell when that’s happening. For most people, daily EMI safety means taking extra care with cellphones, headphones, and any device (a smartwatch, for instance) that uses wireless charging. You should:
After pacemaker surgery, you’ll receive a full EMI safety list specific to your device, with detailed instructions on areas of precaution as well as anything you should avoid.
Tell your primary care doctor, dentist, and other health care professionals (i.e., nurses, physical therapists, chiropractors, medical technicians) that you have a pacemaker, and show them your device card so they know what type you have.
Certain imaging tests (i.e., MRI scans) and treatments (like radiation therapy for cancer) can interfere with pacemaker function. Certain dental and general surgeries may require that your device be temporarily turned off or set to a special mode.
Carry a medical device identification card with you at all times. Showing the card to new doctors, airport security, and others who may need to know about your device keeps you safe in situations that may expose you to EMI.
We also recommend wearing a medic alert bracelet or necklace to quickly aid any medical personnel who may need to treat you in the event of an emergency.
While it’s safe to go through airport security detectors with your pacemaker — these machines won’t interfere with its function — your device may set off the alarm. Tell security personnel about your pacemaker and show them your card; if they decide to screen you with a hand-held metal detector, remind the officer not to hold the wand over your device for more than a few seconds.
Your pacemaker is a resilient device with a long-lasting battery, but it still requires routine testing to analyze battery strength and assess wire function. Usually done once every 6 to 12 months, your pacemaker checkup is also a good time to:
The typical pacemaker battery lasts 10-15 years before it must be replaced. Outside of routine in-office checks, our team can also analyze pacemaker function remotely, as needed.
Finally, it’s important to know when to seek prompt medical care for signs that your pacemaker may not be working properly. Contact our team immediately if you:
Do you have questions about life with a pacemaker? We have answers. Call or click online to schedule an appointment at Sunnyvale Cardiology in Sunnyvale, Texas, today.
