What to Expect From Your Cardiac Pacemaker Implant

A cardiac pacemaker is a tiny implanted device that uses electrical signals to regulate the heart's rate and rhythm. People with bradycardia (a slow heart rate) or certain arrhythmias may require a pacemaker to assist the heart's electrical system.

The need for an implanted cardiac pacemaker is overwhelming to many people, but it's necessary for cardiac health. Knowing what to expect before the procedure eases anxiety and prepares you for recovery.

At the Heart Clinic of Hammond, Dr. Ghiath Mikdadi and Dr. Farid Zayed offer cardiac intervention through pacemakers, holter monitoring, and cardiac catheterization. They discuss the need for a permanent pacemaker and spend time with you through every step of the process.

What to expect after the procedure

A permanent pacemaker requires a surgical procedure in which you are either sedated or under anesthesia. We place small wires, or leads, into a vein near the heart during the procedure. Using X-ray imaging, we advance the cables to the problematic part of the heart.

We then connect the leads to the pulse generator, which supplies the electrical impulses to the heart. The pulse generator goes under the skin near the collarbone and stays in place.

After surgery, you may stay in the hospital for a few days to ensure the pacemaker works well. We program it specifically for your needs before going home.

For the first month, you should avoid lifting more than 10 pounds or putting pressure on the pulse generator's site. You should also avoid strenuous activities or heavy exercise until we clear you for these activities.

We discuss any other restrictions based on your health and specific needs. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have a question or concern.

Living with a permanent pacemaker

As the months go by, you get used to the pacemaker in the body. Once the site heals, you can live a relatively everyday life with a few restrictions. Knowing what you can and can't do with a permanent pacemaker in place is essential.

The following are a few of the tips we give you when thinking about adjusting to life with a permanent pacemaker:

Carry a pacemaker ID card

It's vital to always carry a pacemaker ID card with you, which allows medical professionals to know about the pacemaker in case you can’t tell them about it. It also contains vital information about the implanted device we may need.

Tell medical professionals about the implant

It's always important to disclose to any of your medical professionals that you have a permanent pacemaker implant. Some tests, like an MRI, aren't compatible with the pacemaker device.

Stay physically active

After you heal from surgery, staying physically active with the pacemaker is essential. Take a light walk, do yoga, or get up and move. Physical activity increases circulation and is necessary for a healthy heart.

Feel free to get in the water

Once the incision heals, you can take a bath, shower, or go swimming. The pacemaker is under the skin, so you don't have to worry about contacting the water. However, be sure the incision heals and check with us beforehand.

Avoid magnets and electrical fields

Strong magnets and electrical fields can interfere with a pacemaker. For instance, an MRI machine uses large magnets to get specialized imaging. You should not have an MRI with an implanted pacemaker device.

When to call us with a pacemaker

It's essential to understand when to call us about issues with the pacemaker. You should come in for regular appointments to check on your heart and how the pacemaker is working.

There are a few instances where you should call us right away or head to the emergency room with a pacemaker, and they include:

• Have recurring or chronic hiccups
• Chest pain that starts suddenly
• Difficulty breathing, especially with chest pain
• Experience unexpected weight gain
• See swelling in the feet and ankles
• Feel faint or dizzy

These are all signs of a heart problem or that the pacemaker is not working or malfunctioning. Call us right away or go to the nearest emergency facility for treatment.

Don't hesitate to call the Heart Clinic of Hammond team today in Hammond or Amite, Louisiana, to discuss a permanent pacemaker or request an appointment on our website.