What You Need To Know About A Pacemaker
Pacemakers are small devices that are placed under the skin to help regulate the rhythm of the heart. These devices are used to treat symptoms of the sick sinus syndrome or heart block which cause a slow heart rate. This gadget is not intended to cause additional problems. When you have a pacemaker your life should not face significant disruption. If you follow the recommended precautions and adhere to regular check ups by your doctor you should have no problem at all.
Implantation of the device involves a minor surgery that is invasive. The regular recuperation time frame is not long or troublesome. You may feel some pain for a couple of days. Your specialist may request that you limit movement or lifting substantial items for up to 14 days. The point of incision heals completely after a few weeks, and you ought to have no further confinements.
You need to watch out for infections or bleeding during the early days. Signs may include worsening pain, increased redness as well as swelling. Contact your doctor should you have any of these signs. Luckily, such complications are rarely reported.
You need to have the device checked from time to time. This is done to confirm it is still working and the battery has enough energy. Most times this can be done from home using a special device. However, you need to go to the doctors office at least once every year.
When the battery is low your doctor will recommend replacement. This happens after at least five years. This procedure involves detaching the old generator and inserting a new one. Other parts of pacemakers rarely need replacement.
It is important to know the precautions you need to take when you have this device implanted. Some people think that home appliances such as microwave ovens can interfere with pacemakers. However, this is not true. When it comes to other devices such as cellular phones there are precautions to take. Cell phones can affect pacemakers if they come within six inches of the device. This means that you should not keep them a phone in your breast pocket.
Anti-theft detectors that generate electromagnetic waves can interfere with pacemakers. However, you should not have any problems if you just walk right through without stopping. When walking through security metal detectors this device may set off the detector. This is not a problem. The problem comes when the security officer uses a hand-held scanner on you. These scanners have magnets that may affect pacemakers. It is advisable to inform security agents not to use their scanners near the device.
Arc welders and chain saws affect pacemakers and you should avoid them at all costs. MRI scanners can also affect how pacemakers function and in some cases even damage them. You need to discuss risks with your doctor before having an MRI scan. Other procedures that require special precaution also include radiation treatment, lithotripsy among others. In general, it makes good sense to remind any of your doctors that you have the device implanted before they do any medical procedure.
Implantation of the device involves a minor surgery that is invasive. The regular recuperation time frame is not long or troublesome. You may feel some pain for a couple of days. Your specialist may request that you limit movement or lifting substantial items for up to 14 days. The point of incision heals completely after a few weeks, and you ought to have no further confinements.
You need to watch out for infections or bleeding during the early days. Signs may include worsening pain, increased redness as well as swelling. Contact your doctor should you have any of these signs. Luckily, such complications are rarely reported.
You need to have the device checked from time to time. This is done to confirm it is still working and the battery has enough energy. Most times this can be done from home using a special device. However, you need to go to the doctors office at least once every year.
When the battery is low your doctor will recommend replacement. This happens after at least five years. This procedure involves detaching the old generator and inserting a new one. Other parts of pacemakers rarely need replacement.
It is important to know the precautions you need to take when you have this device implanted. Some people think that home appliances such as microwave ovens can interfere with pacemakers. However, this is not true. When it comes to other devices such as cellular phones there are precautions to take. Cell phones can affect pacemakers if they come within six inches of the device. This means that you should not keep them a phone in your breast pocket.
Anti-theft detectors that generate electromagnetic waves can interfere with pacemakers. However, you should not have any problems if you just walk right through without stopping. When walking through security metal detectors this device may set off the detector. This is not a problem. The problem comes when the security officer uses a hand-held scanner on you. These scanners have magnets that may affect pacemakers. It is advisable to inform security agents not to use their scanners near the device.
Arc welders and chain saws affect pacemakers and you should avoid them at all costs. MRI scanners can also affect how pacemakers function and in some cases even damage them. You need to discuss risks with your doctor before having an MRI scan. Other procedures that require special precaution also include radiation treatment, lithotripsy among others. In general, it makes good sense to remind any of your doctors that you have the device implanted before they do any medical procedure.
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Get a summary of the things to consider before scheduling pacemaker surgery and more information about an experienced cardiologist at http://www.picheart.com/about-us.html today.
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