Frequently
asked questions
- How does a normal heart beat?
- What is a pacemaker?
- How does a pacemaker work?
- Who might need a pacemaker?
- How is a pacemaker system implanted?
- What happens during my immediate recovery period?
- What happens once discharged from the hospital?
- Are there any complications of the procedure?
- How often do I need to follow up with my doctor after a Pacemaker is implanted?
- Does a Pacemaker require replacement?
- Where can I get more information regarding my Pacemaker?
Each person has a built-in electrical system in the heart that controls their heart rate. A person’s heart needs to beat at a normal rate in order to pump blood to all parts of the body.
Sometimes, a person’s built-in electrical system does not work the right way causing a person’s heart to beat too slowly or too fast
A pacemaker consists of a pulse generator which is a thin metal case with a battery and a tiny computer. It weighs only about 20 to 50 grams. The leads are thin pieces of insulated wire which are connected to the pulse generator, which deliver and receive electrical impulses to and from the heart. Pacemakers with one lead are called single-chamber pacemakers. Pacemakers with two leads are called dual-chamber pacemakers. Pacemakers with three leads are called bi-ventricular – or cardiac resynchronisation therapy – pacemakers.
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that senses your heartbeat. If your heart is beating properly, the pacemaker does nothing. But when it is beating too slowly it sends electrical currents to speed up your heart rate back within normal range.
A person might need a pacemaker if they have an abnormally slow or irregular heart rate and has symptoms such as:
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed
- Feeling your heart pounding
- Feeling confused or more tired than usual
- Trouble breathing
- Preoperative evaluation is done by a specialist to review your medications and give instructions regarding eating and drinking.
- Before the start of the procedure, you may be given a medicine to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure, however, you will be aware of your surroundings and remain able to communicate with your doctor.
- The pacemaker is usually implanted on your left side, as this is closer to your heart and allows the wires to be inserted easily. A small 5 to 6 cm incision is made in the upper chest. Insulated wires (leads) are inserted into the patients’ heart through a vein.
- The pacemaker is then inserted beneath the skin and leads are connected to it. The doctor will test them to assure they are in the best position to deliver electrical pulses when needed. The incision is then closed. The procedure usually lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Even though Pacemaker Implantation is a minor procedure you will need to stay in bed for a little while. The nurse will check your vitals and your incision site for any bleeding or swelling. Your nurse will help you sit up and ambulate after the procedure. You will be allowed to eat and drink when you are fully awake. A chest X-ray will be done to make sure that the leads are placed correctly. You will be monitored for any complications like infections, adverse drug reactions, blood loss or trauma to blood vessels, lungs or the heart itself. Your doctor will also check the settings of your pacemaker and leads before sending you home. The typical hospital stay after receiving a pacemaker is a few days.
Once you are home you will need to take it easy for a while. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to resume activities like showering/ablution, working in the kitchen (cooking), sexual activity and driving, . It is important that you avoid bumping or hitting the area around your implant, as it may damage your device or its’ leads. Before resuming any activities/sports that use your chest or arm it is best to discuss with your doctor. You may also feel rejuvenated and more active compared to before your device was implanted.
Common complications include and are not limited to:
- Infections
- Bleeding / Haematoma
- Lung puncture
- Lead dislodgement
- Bleeding into the capsule covering the heart
After you get a pacemaker you will need to follow up with your doctor several times. Your doctor will also check to make sure that your pacemaker is working appropriately. The doctor then monitors the battery and lead status, and adjusts your pacemaker settings.
Some people might need to have the pulse generator(battery) part of their pacemaker replaced in the future. This is because the battery in the pulse generator(battery) usually lasts up to 10 years (6-12 years). Wires do not usually need to be replaced.
Your health care provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. You can also contact us on 0302-HELPPPM for all your Pacemaker-related queries. We are here to help you in the best possible manner.
Life with a
Pacemaker
Usual questions from our patients
- What is a pacemaker?
- How does a pacemaker work?
- Who might need a pacemaker?
- How is a traditional pacemaker system implanted? Getting Pacemaker Implanted
- What happens during my recovery period?
- How often do I need to follow up with my doctor after a Pacemaker is implanted?
- Where can I get more information regarding my Pacemaker?
Each person has a built-in electrical system in the heart that controls their heart rate. A person’s heart needs to beat at a normal rate in order to pump blood to all parts of the body. Sometimes, a person’s built-in electrical system does not work the right way causing a person’s heart to beat too slowly or too fast.
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that senses your heartbeat. If your heart is beating properly, the pacemaker does nothing. But when it is beating too slowly it sends electrical currents to speed up your heart rate back within normal range.
A pacemaker consists of a pulse generator which is a thin metal case with a battery and a tiny computer. It weighs only about 20 to 50 grams. The leads are thin pieces of insulated wire which are connected to the pulse generator, which deliver and receive electrical impulses to and from the heart. Pacemakers with one lead are called single-chamber pacemakers. Pacemakers with two leads are called dual-chamber pacemakers. Pacemakers with three leads are called bi-ventricular – or cardiac resynchronisation therapy – pacemakers.
A person might need a pacemaker if they have an abnormally slow or irregular heart rate and has symptoms such as:
- Fainting
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed
- Feeling your heart pounding
- Feeling confused or more tired than usual
- Trouble breathing
- Preoperative evaluation is done by a specialist to review your medications and give instructions regarding eating and drinking.
- Before the start of the procedure, you may be given a medicine to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure, however, you will be aware of your surroundings and remain able to communicate with your doctor.
- The pacemaker is usually implanted on your left side, as this is closer to your heart and allows the wires to be inserted easily. A small 5 to 6 cm incision is made in the upper chest. Insulated wires (leads) are inserted into the patients’ heart through a vein.
- The pacemaker is then inserted beneath the skin and leads are connected to it. The doctor will test them to assure they are in the best position to deliver electrical pulses when needed. The incision is then closed. The procedure usually lasts 1 to 2 hours.
Even though Pacemaker Implantation is a minor procedure you will need to stay in bed for a little while. The nurse will check your vitals and your incision site for any bleeding or swelling. Your nurse will help you sit up and ambulate after the procedure. You will be allowed to eat and drink when you are fully awake. A chest X-ray will be done to make sure that the leads are placed correctly. You will be monitored for any complications like infections, adverse drug reactions, blood loss or trauma to blood vessels, lungs or the heart itself. Your doctor will also check the settings of your pacemaker and leads before sending you home. The typical hospital stay after receiving a pacemaker is a few days.
Once you are home you will need to take it easy for a while. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to resume activities like showering/ablution, working in the kitchen (cooking), sexual activity and driving, . It is important that you avoid bumping or hitting the area around your implant, as it may damage your device or its’ leads. Before resuming any activities/sports that use your chest or arm it is best to discuss with your doctor. You may also feel rejuvenated and more active compared to before your device was implanted.
The best source for all safety information is your doctor and you should not delay seeking care in case of any concerns.
For more information visit www.pacemakerclub.pk
After you get a pacemaker you will need to follow up with your doctor several times. Your doctor will also check to make sure that your pacemaker is working appropriately. The doctor then monitors the battery and lead status, and adjusts your pacemaker settings.
Some people might need to have the pulse generator(battery) part of their pacemaker replaced in the future. This is because the battery in the pulse generator(battery) usually lasts up to 10 years (6-12 years). Wires do not usually need to be replaced.
Life after a Pacemaker is implanted
| Scenarios | |
| Using Electronic Appliances for example microwave ovens, blenders, toasters, electric knives, televisions, electric blankets, stoves, garage door openers, computers, tablets. | No known risks |
| Getting x-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, mammography, fluoroscopy or Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI), ERCP, Electrocautery | Before any procedure (including dental procedures), talk with your healthcare provider to let them know you have a pacemaker. Some pacemaker systems are MR Conditional, meaning it can be safe to have an MRI under specific conditions. Your doctor will need to confirm if your pacemaker is one of them. Avoid electrical nerve and muscle stimulators (i.e. TENS units), Electrocautery, radiation therapy for cancers. |
| Being around Electromagnetic interferences (EMI) for example electrical appliances in poor conditions or not grounded correctly, industrial generators, arc welders, specific medical equipment, magnets, large heaters, radio transmitters | If you become lightheaded or feel palpitations (rapid, irregular heartbeat), your device may be experiencing electromagnetic interference. If you are near electrical equipment or magnets, simply turn off the equipment or walk away. The pacemaker should resume normal operation. |
| Using a cell phone | Avoid carrying the phone in a breast pocket over the pacemaker. Hold the phone to the ear away from the pacemaker. |
| Using an MP3/ multimedia player | No known interference |
| Going to the hospital | Medical equipment may interfere with the function of a pacemaker so inform the hospital staff before you undergo any procedure. |
| Driving an automobile | Discuss with your doctor before you begin driving again. |
| Travelling | With some extra planning, you can travel to most locations. |
| Prayer | There is no restriction on performing any of the components of Namaz including Rukoo or Sajda. |
| Pregnancy | Women who have a Pacemaker placed are generally able to become pregnant and carry the pregnancy to term without any increased risk of harm to the fetus. |
Your health care provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem. You can also contact us on 0302-HELPPPM for all your Pacemaker-related queries. We are here to help you in the best possible manner.
Get in touch
ADDRESS
W2 3XE, New York
CALL US
0-800-772-3466
WRITE TO US
book@medicare.com
