Once a pacemaker is successfully implanted, patients need to avoid prolonged contact with devices and equipment that generate strong electromagnetic fields. Devices and equipment that generate electromagnetic fields are welding equipment, transformers, generators, and even imaging devices like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines etc.
Medical procedures like MRI, radiation therapy, shock-wave lithotripsy, electrocauterization, etc., should also be avoided. These devices, equipment, and medical procedures can interfere with the electrical impulse generation by the pacemaker. Patients with pacemaker should stay at least two feet away from these instruments. However, the nature and extent of disruption depends on the duration of the exposure and proximity of the device with the pacemaker.
Instruments like cell phone, etc., should not be kept in the shirt pocket to avoid contact with the pacemaker. Otherwise, use of cell phone is not harmful for the patients with pacemaker.
Patients can walk through security system metal detectors at normal pace. Security staff can check using metal detectors, but the detectors should be held near the pacemaker for a duration as brief as possible. Patients should avoid sitting or standing close to a security system metal detector. Security staff should also be notified about patients with pacemaker.
Patients with pacemaker should carry a card stating the nature of pacemaker. This card can be used during an emergency situation to avoid contact with unwarranted devices and equipment.
Physical activity
Patients with pacemaker can lead a normal healthy life. Quality of life is not compromised with pacemakers. They can take part in sports and perform exercise, but body contact sports like football, rugby, etc., should be avoided as it can damage the pacemaker or loosen the lead wires. Advice of the doctor should be followed properly regarding the nature and extent of daily activity and exercise.
Ongoing care
Patients with pacemaker must visit the doctor at regular interval to check the pacemaker. A pacemaker may stop functioning due to dislodged or broken wire, failure of battery, disease processes of the heart, etc. So the doctor asks the patients for periodic checkup to ensure proper functioning of the pacemaker. Regular periodic checkup is done by electrocardiography (ECG) and questionnaire.
Replacement of battery
The average longevity of the battery is between 5 to 15 years depending on the nature of pacemaker. The doctor can ensure the replacement of the battery is done before it starts to discharge. Replacement of battery is a less tedious procedure than the initial procedure. In some cases, lead wires may also need to be replaced.
Cardiac checkup at a regular interval can definitely keep the patient free of unprecedented risk events with the vital machine. Even before scheduling any kind of dental or medical procedures the healthcare providers must be informed about the pacemaker in the patient’s body in order to minimize or prevent any undesired interference with the device. There are examples of swimmers, competitive running enthusiasts, and fitness buffs who live a healthy, uneventful life, carrying a pacemaker. With the few precautions as listed above, patients with pacemaker can lead a normal healthy life.
