General Pacemaker Information   Living with your pacemaker

Over 2 million people of all ages have a pacemaker, and - like you - they can expect to lead a normal fulfilling life. This page explains how your pacemaker will work and how your life will change once your pacemaker is fitted. But if you have any questions, you are very welcome to ask us at the cardiac department.

What does a pacemaker do?
Your heart does not beat regularly on its own, and this causes problems with your circulation - you may have experienced dizziness, breathlessness, even brief periods of unconsciousness.
Your pacemaker will take over the job of producing the electrical impulses that trigger your heart beats. This will help relieve the symptoms you have been having.
There are several different types of pacemaker. Some pacemakers stimulate the lower or upper chambers of the heart (single chamber pacemakers), while others stimulate both chambers (dual chamber pacemakers). Both types have the same job - to maintain your heartbeat and prevent slow and irregular heart rhythms.

How will a pacemaker change your life?
You may be surprised at just how quickly you recover from having a pacemaker fitted. As you start to feel better, you will be able to return to your normal lifestyle and activities. This may include walking, cycling, swimmimg, household chores, returning to you job, hobbies, sex and travelling. If you hold a driving licence you must notify the licencing authority (DVLA) and your insurance compay that you have a pacemaker. You must not drive for 1 week after the pacemaker is implanted. Click on the link below for information on DVLA

Driving Vehicles licensing Authority, DVLA

Your pacemaker is designed to enable you to lead a normal and active life. However active you are you will not wear it out

Interference from electrical fields
Modern microwave ovens and other electrical equipment will not interfere with your pacemaker unless they are faulty. However, there are some electrical 'fields' that may affect your pacemaker. These are the kind used in some anti-theft systems such as on the way out of public libraries or in security checks in airports.
Look out for signs warning people with pacemakers about this. But dont worry - this interference is almost never dangerous and in no way damages your pacemaker. We will always be happy to advise you about any electrical equipmet you come into contact with.

Mobile Phones
If you use a mobile telephone, you should not carry it in a pocket directly over your pacemaker. Whether in use or in standby mode, mobile phones should be kept more than 15 centimetres (6 inches) away from you pacemaker. If at all possible, use the phone with the ear on the side away from your pacemaker.

Your pacemaker card
You should always carry your European Pacing Group Registration card with you. If you have not already been given this, you will receive it by post soon after you go home. It will show your name, address, pacemaker details and our telephone number so you can contact us in the unlikely event of any problems. In case of an accident of any kind, it will let the doctors know you have a pacemaker.

Checking your pacemaker
Modern pacemakers are remarkably reliable and very little checking is needed for most people. Nevertheless, it is sensible to undertake some checks because the batteries do not last for ever and - very very rarely - some minor problems may crop up. There will be plenty of warning however, when your pacemaker needs changing.

Check ups at the pacemaker clinic

                 
You will need to come in for a pacemaker checkup at least once a year. We ask all our patients to do this. It is not a general checkup. It is to check the functioning of your pacemaker and the state of the battery.
You will be seen by a technician who has been specially trained to monitor pacemakers. If you are a new patient, or have a particular kind of pacemaker, you may be asked to attend when there is a doctor present.
If you would like to speak to a doctor about any worries you amy have, we will try and arrrange it while you are in the clinic. If this is not possible we will let the doctor know of your request - we may have to ask you to come back to the clinic on a separate occasion. Any problems will always be reported to one of the doctors responsible for your care

Checking your own pulse
Some patients with pacemakers like to check their own pulse, and we will be happy to show you how to do this. Your pulse rate may be faster than the pacemaker setting and this is quite normal.
You should not worry about slight variations but if your pulse rate drops unexpectedly by 5 beats per minute or more lower than the setting of your pacemaker it is important to have it checked.

If you have an operation....
Some medical and dental procedures can interfere with pacemakers, so if you have to come into hospital for an operation, it is important to tell any doctor who attends you about your pacemaker. You should also tell your dentist prior to any treatment.

Let us know...
If you feel dizzy when pushing or lifting, let us know. It may be that your pacemaker is affected by muscle activity in your chest and this can often be corrected.
Though very unlikely to happen, it is especially important that you let us know immediately if you have a dizzy turn or fainting attack. Do not wait for your next appointment.
If the area over the pacemaker becomes red or sore, or discharges fluid, telephone us right away. This too is unlikely to happen, but if it does we need to see you.

Telephone 01273 696955
and ask for the Cardiac Department.