What To Expect After Your Pacemaker Implantation

You heard your cardiologist mention the phrase pacemaker implantation, but how much do you know about that procedure? By now you’re aware that a pacemaker is an artificial device that is implanted in your chest to help jumpstart your heart when necessary. Getting your new pacemaker is an excellent next step in bringing you back to heart health.

But what can you expect after your pacemaker implantation? Just like any cardiological surgery this procedure requires a reasonable amount of recovery time, but there some other things you can expect to experience.

Limit Strenuous Exercise
After your pacemaker implantation, you’ll want to avoid most exercise for four to six weeks. Particularly, you should avoid lifting anything heavy or any activity that requires you to lift your arms high above your head. Any aggressive movements could lead to injury to your implantation site or potentially damage your new equipment.

Beware Of Some Electrical Equipment
Since your pacemaker is a piece of electrical equipment, it’s important to be aware of the impact that other equipment can have on it. Anything with a strong electromagnetic field, like an induction cooktop, can interfere with your pacemaker. One sign that you are experiencing some feedback with a nearby appliance is the sensation that you are dizzy or out of breath. Most household appliances should not be a problem for your pacemaker.

Take Good Care Of Wound
Just like any surgical incision site, it’s important to keep your wound clean and dry to avoid infection. Your cardiologist will give you specific instructions after your procedure is complete. Follow them to the letter, and contact your cardiologist with any concerns and you should heal very well from your pacemaker implantation surgery.

Carry Your Medical Device ID
You’ll be given a medical device ID which alerts medical professionals that you have an implanted device in case of emergency. Your card will contain your name, information about your device and contact information for your cardiologist. It’s best to keep this card with you at all times, especially when traveling and out of your normal environment.

Having a pacemaker implanted may just give you the new health and freedom that you were hoping for. And while the surgery will require some initial recovery, the results are well worth it. If your cardiologist has recommended a pacemaker these aftercare tips should help you, but it’s most important that you stay in regular contact with your doctor so that you can ask he or she important health questions as they arise. For more information about pacemakers, contact us today.