Heart Rhythm Clinic

Early on with your pacemaker

• Allow about eight weeks for your pacemaker to settle firmly in place. During this time, try to avoid sudden movements that would cause your arm to pull away from your body.

• Avoid causing pressure where your pacemaker was implanted. Women may want to wear a small pad over the incision to protect from their bra strap.

• Relatively soon after your surgery, you may be able to perform all normal activities for a person of your age. Ask your doctor about how and when to increase activity.

​

Getting on with your life

• Be physically active. Try to do what you enjoy – or what you feel up to – each day. Take a short walk, or simply move your arms and legs to aid blood circulation.

• Don’t overdo it. Quit before you get tired. The right amount of activity should make you feel better, not worse.

• Feel free to take baths and showers. Your pacemaker is completely protected against contact with water.

• Car, train, or airplane trips should pose no danger.

• Stay away from magnets and strong electrical fields.

• Tell your other doctors, dentists, nurses, medical technicians, and hospital staff members that you have a pacemaker.

• People with pacemakers can continue their usual sexual activity.

• Remember your pacemaker when you arrive at the airport or other public places with security screening. Metal detectors won’t damage your pacemaker, but they may detect the metal in your device. At the airport, let the TSA agent know that you have a pacemaker. You may need to undergo a separate security procedure, such as screening with a hand wand.

​

Checking in on your device

• Your doctor will make sure your medications are working and that you’re taking them properly.

• You can ask questions and voice any concerns you may have about living with your pacemaker. Make sure you and your caregiver understand what your doctor says. It’s a good idea to take notes.

• Your doctor will use a special analyzer to reveal the battery’s strength. This diagnostic tool can reveal a weak battery before you notice any changes.

​

Maintain awareness

• Your heart is beating faster than 100 beats per minute.

• Your heart rate suddenly drops below the accepted rate.

• Your heart rate increases dramatically.

• Your pulse is rapid and irregular (above 120 beats per minute) and your pacemaker is programmed for a fast-slow type of heartbeat.

• You notice a sudden slowing of your heart rate.

​

***Carry a pacemaker ID card with you at all times. In case of an accident, emergency personnel needs to know that you have a pacemaker implanted. 

​

Source: Heart.org