A pacemaker is a small device used to artificially manage an irregular heartbeat, as well as several other cardiac disorders. Although pacemakers have improved millions of lives, they are not a first resort. Dietary and lifestyle changes and medications can often improve a situation enough that the device is unnecessary. When they are used, pacemakers come with their own set of risks. Here is a look at some of the most common.
Surgical Risks
Implanting a pacemaker requires a minor surgery with an overnight stay. Although doctors generally utilize a local anesthetic rather than anesthetizing the patient entirely, there is still a chance of an allergic reaction to the sedative. Be sure to inform your doctor of any allergies you have. Like all surgeries, infection of the implantation site is always a possibility; thus it is extremely important to follow any directions from your surgeon regarding your care during recovery.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some patients may experience bruising, swelling, and even “damage to… blood vessels or nerves” at the surgical site. Some bleeding may ensure; patients who take blood thinners like Heparin should be especially careful. Always inform your doctor of any medications you’re taking before a surgical procedure, and inquire as to which drugs are appropriate to take in the days leading up to surgery.
More serious problems that may ensure include a collapsed lung or damage to the heart itself. A collapsed lung can occur when the lung is inadvertently poked by needle being used for the procedure, and while uncomfortable, it is treatable.
Additionally, the heart can be poked; such a situation can become an emergency, as the Mayo Clinic states it may “lead to bleeding into the lining (pericardium) of your heart.” Luckily, all of these complications occur only rarely.
Post-Surgical Risks
Once your pacemaker has been properly implanted, there are still problems that may arise. Pay close attention to all of the instructions you receive regarding care and daily living immediately following pacemaker surgery. Everyone’s body is different, which means it’s important for each pacemaker to be programmed individually.
Not speaking to a doctor about your concerns can be extremely dangerous. Some patients have issues with not receiving the pacemakers assistance when their heart needs it, or conversely, receiving too much assistance from the pacemaker when it isn’t needed. While some pacemakers are programmed to only correct the heartbeat when the device detects a problem, others are intended to monitor more bodily signs than pulse and to increase or decrease the heartbeat as necessary. Pay attention to your body, as it can be easy to overdo it when you start to feel better; avoid almost all strenuous activity until your doctor informs you it is safe to engage in.
Signal Interference Risks
Other concerns and risks associated with pacemakers include what machinery the user is and isn't allowed to be around. While most household electronics are generally safe, there are a few things you should be careful coming into contact with if you have a pacemaker.
Avoid placing your cell phone directly on your pacemaker; experts recommend using the opposite side of the body from the pacemaker to work your phone. The frequencies emitted from signals could potentially interfere with the pacemaker's signals. Other machinery that may interfere with your pacemaker includes metal detection systems held directly over your pacemaker for extended periods of time, and procedures (particularly medical) involving electromagnetic energy. The Mayo Clinic states that before undergoing “magnetic resonance imaging, therapeutic radiation for cancer treatment and shock wave lithotripsy” or electrocautery, it is especially important to inform your doctor of your pacemaker.
