Pacemaker

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A pacemaker is a small device that helps regulate your heart rate. A pacemaker is about the size of a wristwatch. When your heart beats too slow causing dizziness, your caregiver may want you to have a pacemaker. The pacemaker will make your heart beat at a faster rate so that you no longer feel dizzy. If you have arrhythmias which cause your heart to beat too fast, a pacemaker can slow it down.
  
  
• A pacemaker is made up of leads (thin, flexible wires) and a generator (JEN-uh-ra-tor). Most pacemakers work only when they are needed. These are called demand pacemakers. Other pacemakers work all the time. Your caregiver will decide which pacemaker is right for you.
  
  
• You will need a procedure to get a pacemaker unless you have a transcutaneous pacemaker. This procedure may be done while you are already a patient in the hospital. You may also come into the hospital in the morning and go home after your procedure. You may also need to stay in the hospital for a time.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Activity Guidelines:

• Ask your caregiver if you need to avoid moving your shoulder or arm, and for how long.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver if you should avoid lifting heavy objects.
  
  
• You may not be able to play contact sports such as football and wrestling because these could damage your pacemaker.
  
  
• Do not play other sports such as tennis, golf, or basketball until your caregiver tells you it is okay.
  
  
• Do not rub the area over the pacemaker until your caregiver says it is okay.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when you can return to work.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when you can start driving again.
  
  
• Do not shower or bathe until your caregiver says it is okay. Do not put any lotion or powder on the incision area.

What special things should I do after I have my pacemaker?

• Carry the ID card that your caregiver has given you. This card provides information about the type of pacemaker and leads you have. Keep emergency numbers within easy reach.
  
  
• Stay away from large magnets. This includes a MRI test (a MRI uses powerful magnets). It is safe to use major household appliances. These include microwaves, computers, toasters, hairdryers, and heating pads.
  
  
• You can safely pass through security at airports. Be sure to have your pacemaker ID card with you.
  
  
• Avoid leaning into a car engine or doing welding. You may need to change your job if you do these things for a living.
  
  
• You can use cellular phones. Be sure to hold the cellular phone on the opposite ear of where the pacemaker is located. Do not carry your cellular phone in a shirt pocket near the pacemaker.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when you can use ice after surgery. Wrap the ice in a towel and then place the towel over the pacemaker site. Never apply ice directly to your skin. Ask your caregiver how often and how long to place ice on your pacemaker site.
  
  
• Let your dentist know that you have a pacemaker. Dental drilling may cause your pacemaker rate to increase.
  
  
• Wear an ID bracelet to let other people know that you have a pacemaker. For more information, contact:
  • Medicalert Foundation
    2323 COLORADO AVENUE
    TURLOCK, CA 95382
    Phone: 1-209-6683333
    Phone: 1-888-633-4298
    
  
  
  
• Let all your caregivers know you have a pacemaker. Certain surgeries or treatments can be harmful to your pacemaker.

When is my next medical appointment?

• You will need to see your caregiver after your pacemaker procedure. Your caregiver will check your pacemaker to make sure it is working okay. Your caregiver will also check for signs of infection. The bandages covering your incision may also be removed.
  
  
• You will need to see your caregiver 3 to 6 times a year as long as you have a pacemaker. You will also see an electrophysiologist (e-lek-tro-fiz-e-ALL-uh-jist). This is a caregiver specially trained to work with your pacemaker. An electrophysiologist will make any changes in your pacemaker settings and will also check the battery regularly.
  
  
• The battery in your pacemaker usually lasts 5 to 10 years. Your caregiver will check the battery and decide when your pacemaker needs a new battery. Sometimes a special wand may be held over the pacemaker and this will tell your caregiver if your battery is low.
  
  
• A telephone or a portable AM radio may also be used to check the battery in your pacemaker. If your caregiver tells you to use a telephone, you will be given a number to dial. When you get a connection, you will hold the phone up to your pacemaker. The phone will send information about your pacemaker battery to your caregiver. If your caregiver tells you to use an AM radio, you will need to hold the radio close to your pacemaker. The radio will send information about your pacemaker battery to your caregiver.

Wellness hints:

• Eating and drinking:
  
  
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you have more energy and heal faster. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.
    
    
  • Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Follow your caregiver's advice if you must change the amount of liquid you drink. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Try to drink enough liquid each day, and not just when you feel thirsty.
  
  
• Start exercising: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising can help make your heart stronger, lower your blood pressure, and keep you healthy.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Avoid stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing. Talk to your caregiver about things that upset you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have swelling of your feet or ankles.
  
  
• The area around your ICD is painful or tender after surgery.
  
  
• The skin around your stitches is red, swollen, or has drainage. This may mean that you have an infection.
  
  
• You have a chills, a cough, feel weak, or achy. These are also signs of infection.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash. You may be allergic (uh-LER-jik) to your medicine.
  
  
• You are sad or anxious and you find it hard to do your normal activities.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You become too dizzy to stand, or you pass out.
  
  
• You feel your heart suddenly beating very slowly.
  
  
• You start having chest pain that does not go away with rest or medicine.
  
  
• Your stitches come apart.
  
  
• Your bandage becomes soaked with blood.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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