Its mission is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. Our mission: To reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. Help centre. All rights reserved. Did you know that your browser is out of date? To get the best experience using our website we recommend that you upgrade to a newer version. Learn more. Most device batteries will last at least 5 to 7 years, depending on use.
After that time, the battery or pulse generator will need to be replaced. Replacing a pacemaker generator may be done on an outpatient basis or may include an overnight stay in the hospital. Yes, you can travel by air with your device and drive a car, if cleared by your doctor. If selected to be screened by handheld wand, politely remind the screener that these wands should not be held over the device area for more than a few seconds.
You should be sure to always have your identification card with you wherever you go. Some people with ICDs may not be allowed to drive unless cleared by their doctor. For your safety, and the safety of others, your doctor may recommend that you do not drive for 6 months after your ICD is implanted, or after an ICD discharge. The life threatening heart arrhythmias that these devices treat can cause you to lose consciousness, which is dangerous if your are driving.
You may be able to exercise with your pacemaker or ICD, but check with your doctor first to make sure the form of exercise you do will not damage the device. These survival rates were surprisingly similar, for the first 3 years of follow-up, to those of our and others' previous studies, which included all age groups. The survival rates in the most advanced age groups decreased in comparison only in fourth and fifth years after the implantation.
There was no evidence of new episodes of myocardial infarction among this group of patients during the follow-up period. During this initial period, you should watch for signs of bleeding or infection, such as swelling, increased redness, or worsening pain, and let your healthcare provider know if any of these signs occur. Fortunately, these complications are infrequent.
You will need to have your pacemaker checked periodically to make sure it is functioning normally and its battery has plenty of energy. Usually, these pacemaker checks can be done from home, wirelessly, using a special device your healthcare provider will give you for remote follow-up.
You will also be checked in your healthcare provider's office once or twice a year. When the battery begins to run out, usually after five to ten years, your healthcare provider will schedule an elective pacemaker replacement. This is a relatively simple procedure, carried out under local anesthesia, in which your old pacemaker generator is detached from its leads and thrown away.
A new generator is then attached, and the incision is sewn up. Generally, the pacemaker leads never need to be replaced unless they develop a problem. Contrary to popular belief, modern home appliances, including microwave ovens, do not interfere with pacemakers and should not cause any concern whatsoever. With certain other devices, there are only a few special precautions you will need to take. Cellular phones, if held close to the pacemaker which may happen if the phone is kept in a breast pocket can potentially affect the function of a pacemaker.
But as long as the phone is kept 6 inches or more away from the pacemaker there should not be a problem. Similar to cell phones, magnets can affect a pacemaker if they are brought to within 6 inches or so. Simply keep magnets away from your pacemaker. The walk-through anti-theft detectors in stores work by generating electromagnetic waves, which can momentarily interfere with the function of a pacemaker. However, as long as you walk through the detector normally, without stopping or pausing, you should not experience any problems.
Just keep moving. Your pacemaker may set off the walk-through metal detector commonly used in airport security. The metal detector will not affect your pacemaker. But a potential problem is the hand-held scanner the security agent may use on you after you set off the metal detector.
The hand-held scanner contains a magnet that may interfere with your pacemaker when it is brought near. Before you go through airport security, you should tell the agent that you have a pacemaker and that they should not use the hand-held scanner near your pacemaker.
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