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What You Should Know After Your Pacemaker Implant

You may be one of the millions of people who have a pacemaker to help your heart. Pacemakers are implanted to speed up hearts that beat too slowly. At LifeBeat Online, we often get questions from people who have just received a pacemaker and want to know what to expect after the implant. We've listed some of the most common pacemaker questions below. You can always call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268) for answers to questions about your pacemaker or other Guidant device. Always check with your doctor for any questions about your unique medical condition.

Can I go back to my normal activities after my implant?

There are very few activities that will be off limits to you because you have a pacemaker. Your doctor may ask you to avoid strenuous activity (especially upper body activity) just after surgery. Doing so helps ensure your lead(s) has time to firmly attach to your heart tissue. After that, you will probably be able to do all of the things you did before your implant. Talk with your doctor if you have any concerns about physical activity.

What does my pacemaker feel like when it's working?

Most patients don't feel their pacemakers working. Whether or not you do will depend on your heart rhythm and how your pacemaker is programmed. Your doctor programs your pacemaker to work best for your condition. Talk to your doctor to find out how your pacemaker is programmed and what to expect.

Is it safe for me to use electrical appliances?

Your pacemaker is designed to work properly around most appliances and equipment. Most things you handle or work near every day will not cause a problem. But some strong electrical or magnetic fields may affect your pacemaker. The effects are usually temporary. Your pacemaker will return to normal as soon as you move away from the source of the electrical or magnetic field.

Learn more about sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI). If you still have questions about a specific appliance, tool, medical procedure, or piece of equipment, talk with your doctor. Or call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268). Check with your doctor to see if you have any other restrictions.

When should I call my doctor?

Your doctor will provide guidelines for when you should call. In general, phone your doctor if you:

Are aware that your heart rate has dropped below the minimum rate set for your pacemaker
Have symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm and have been instructed to call
Notice any swelling, redness, or drainage from your incisions
Develop a fever that doesn't go away in 2 or 3 days
Have questions about your pacemaker, heart rhythm, or medications
Plan to travel or move
Notice anything unusual or unexpected, such as new symptoms or symptoms like the ones you had before you received the device

You can call Guidant at 1-866-GUIDANT (1-866-484-3268) for any questions about your pacemaker.

How often should my pacemaker be checked?

Your doctor will determine a follow-up schedule that is best for you. You can expect your device to be checked at least once a year with a programmer in the doctor's office or clinic. The programmer lets the doctor see how often your pacemaker has given you therapy.

Will my pacemaker ever need to be replaced?

Eventually, yes. Your pacemaker runs on a battery. Like all batteries, the battery in your pacemaker will eventually wear out. At each follow-up visit, your doctor or nurse will check your battery. When the battery power reaches a certain point, your pacemaker needs to be replaced.

How can I find a doctor when I'm traveling?

Visit the Travel With Your Device section of Guidant's website to find medical facilities worldwide that have treated patients with Guidant products. Doctors at these facilities can help you with your device.

What if I move or change doctors?

If your name or address changes or if you get a new heart doctor, let us know so we can update your records.

Important Safety Information

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