Questions and Answers – Daily Living With a Pacemaker
With the implant of a heart device comes inevitable change. We’ve listed some common questions and answers to help you feel more confident about living with your device.
What should I do if I move or change doctors?
Is your name, address, phone number, and doctor information correct on your ID card? Your cooperation in keeping your information current will help us better serve you and your doctor. Send us your updated information on our website or call Heart Rhythm Patient Registration, (800) 551-5544, to report changes.
More: Heart Rhythms Device Registration and Change of Information Form
What kind of follow-up care can I expect after my device is implanted?
A schedule of post-implant checkups, as prescribed by your physician, soon becomes a regular part of your life after receiving a pacemaker or defibrillator (also called implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, or ICD). Because your pacemaker or ICD contains a computer chip, your physician or clinician is able to use a special computer called a programmer to check (interrogate) your device. Routine checkups and monitoring help ensure that your device is meeting your health requirements. During these routine checkups, the physician or clinician is able to:
- Review any heart rhythm events that may have occurred since your last checkup.
- Check that your device functions are set to levels appropriate for your needs and make any "fine tuning" adjustments if necessary.
- Check the status of the battery that powers your device.
- Assess your medical condition.
- Answer any questions you may have.
Your doctor determines the frequency of your follow-up visits.
How can I cope with my "new" life?
With the implant of a pacemaker, defibrillator, or heart valve, comes inevitable change. You are faced with the task of creating a new version of "normal" for yourself and your family.
More: Healthy Reactions to Change
Should I tell my dentist or doctor I have a medical device?
When scheduling any dental or medical procedure not related to your pacemaker or defibrillator, it is important to inform the dentists, doctors, and technicians that you have an implanted device. They may need to consult with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist (EP) before performing the procedure. This is true especially if the procedure is a new or unusual one. Even though most dental and medical procedures are unlikely to interfere with the function of your implanted device, some may require precautionary measures that prevent or minimize any interference.
More: Dental and Medical Procedures
Can I go through store anti-theft detectors or airport security systems?
Anti-theft detectors used in stores and libraries operate on the principle of generating electromagnetic interference (EMI) fields that can "sense" embedded "tags" on the merchandise being protected. It may be possible, under unique circumstances, for these same interference fields to affect the operation of an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator. Significant effects from the interference are unlikely to occur if you pass "normally" through the detectors because the interference ends as soon as you walk through (or move away) from the anti-theft equipment.
More: Anti-Theft Detectors and Airport Security Systems
Can I travel with my device? What things should I be aware of?
Most people with pacemakers or defibrillators can travel freely unless they are restricted by their underlying medical condition or other, unrelated conditions.
More: Traveling With Confidence
Will magnets affect my device?
Maybe you remember in science class learning that items that have electric and magnetic components have an "electromagnetic" energy field around them. Even though most electromagnetic fields in the home environment will rarely affect the function of a pacemaker or ICD, it is recommended you keep any item containing magnets away (at least 6 inches/15 centimeters) from your pacemaker/ICD.
More: Magnets
Can I use a chain saw or welder?
Unlike most other household power tools, welders and chain saws are two tools that may have a higher tendency to temporarily affect the normal function of your pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
More: Welding and Chain Saws
Can I use home power tools?
Tools and equipment that use electricity and magnets have electromagnetic fields around them. The good news is that Medtronic pacemakers and implantable defibrillators (ICDs) have built in features that protect them from many types of electrical interference. However, some home power tools and machine shop equipment have the potential to interfere with the function of your device.
More: Tools
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
