A pacemaker is a small medical device that helps control the heartbeat.
Yes, mobile phones are safe to use, but it is best to keep them at least six inches away from the pacemaker. Using the opposite ear to the side of your implant is usually advised.
Pacemaker batteries last between 5 and 15 years. When the battery runs low, the device can be replaced with a simple procedure, so many people do have more than one pacemaker in their lifetime.
Most people can return to normal activities and exercise after recovery. Strenuous movements should be avoided for the first few weeks, but long term, exercise is encouraged to keep the heart healthy.
Yes, pacemakers are safe with airport scanners. However, carrying your pacemaker ID card is helpful, as staff may offer a manual check instead.
Yes, most people live full, active lives with a pacemaker. It helps control symptoms and improve quality of life, though some precautions and regular check-ups are needed.
The heart has its own natural electrical system that tells it when to beat. If this system is damaged or does not work properly, the heart rhythm may become irregular. This is known as arrhythmia.
Some arrhythmias are harmless, but others can cause serious symptoms. A pacemaker is used when medicines alone are not enough to keep the heart rhythm stable. People who faint, feel weak, or experience sudden drops in heart rate may be advised to have one fitted.
A pacemaker is made up of two main parts: a small battery-powered generator and thin wires called leads. The generator sits under the skin of the chest, while the leads are guided into the heart.
The pacemaker watches the heart’s rhythm and, when needed, sends tiny pulses of electricity to keep it steady. These pulses are so small that you do not feel them. The device can be programmed by doctors to match each patient’s needs. Some pacemakers are temporary, used for a short period, while others are permanent.
The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic, meaning you are awake but the area is numbed. A small cut is made under the collarbone, and the leads are guided into the heart using X-ray images. The generator is then placed under the skin and connected to the leads.
The whole procedure usually takes about one to two hours. Most people stay in hospital overnight and go home the next day. Recovery is fairly quick, although heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks.
Fitting a pacemaker is not painful because of the anaesthetic. Afterwards, there may be some bruising or soreness in the chest, which usually improves within days. Most people say they get used to the feeling of having a device under the skin quite quickly.
Life with a pacemaker is often much better than before, as it helps control symptoms caused by irregular heart rhythms. Most people can return to normal activities, including work, exercise, and travel.
Certain precautions are advised. Strong magnets or powerful electrical equipment can interfere with the pacemaker, so patients are usually given advice on what to avoid. Airport security machines, for example, are safe, but carrying a pacemaker card helps explain why you may need a manual check.
Modern pacemakers can be checked remotely, allowing doctors to monitor how they are working without frequent hospital visits. The batteries last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the type, and can be replaced with a simple procedure.
Yes, pacemakers are very safe and widely used. Complications are rare, but as with any procedure, there are small risks. These include infection at the implant site, bleeding, or movement of the leads.
Doctors carefully check patients before fitting a pacemaker to make sure it is the right choice. Once fitted, regular follow-ups help keep everything working properly.
Most people cannot feel their pacemaker working. The electrical pulses are so small that they are not noticeable. Occasionally, someone may feel a brief flutter in the chest if the pacemaker corrects an irregular rhythm, but this is usually harmless.
A pacemaker does not cure the underlying cause of heart disease. Instead, it helps manage the symptoms of irregular rhythms by keeping the heartbeat steady. Medicines and lifestyle changes may still be needed alongside a pacemaker to protect long-term heart health.
Pacemakers are often used in people with slow heart rhythms, such as those caused by heart block. They can also be used in people with heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump effectively, or in those with other rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation.
Age is a factor too. As people get older, the heart’s electrical system can naturally wear out, making pacemakers more common in older adults. However, younger people can also need them if they have certain heart conditions.
A pacemaker is a small device that helps control irregular heart rhythms by sending electrical signals to the heart. It is fitted under the skin with thin wires that connect to the heart muscle. The procedure is safe, quick, and widely used to treat arrhythmias that cause symptoms like fainting, dizziness, and breathlessness.
While a pacemaker does not cure heart disease, it can greatly improve quality of life and reduce risks linked to abnormal rhythms. With regular check-ups and a few lifestyle precautions, most people with pacemakers live long and active lives.
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