Pacemaker

Who is the leaflet for? What is its aim?

This information leaflet is to advise you and your family what to expect after a cardiac device has been implanted.

What to expect immediately after your implant

• It is very common to feel sore, stiff and bruised around the area of the pacemaker for up to one month after the implant.
• To reduce the risk of infection, do not touch the pacemaker site, particularly soon after the procedure.
• You should not move your arm on your implant side at all for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours do not overstretch your shoulder forward, backward or above chest height for four weeks after the implant.
• If possible, try avoid any heavy lifting, pushing or pulling for four to six weeks. This is to try and minimise the risk of lead displacement.
• The pacemaker site is covered with a dressing and should be kept dry for seven days after your procedure.
• After seven days, please remove the dressing and inspect the site for redness, irritation, swelling or oozing. Should you notice any of these reactions please call 01223 256233.
• If the pacemaker site looks healthy but you are unsure please contact your GP's practice nurse for them to review.
• You will be given an ID card which you must keep with you at all times.

When to contact the cardiac rhythm management team (CRM)

You should contact the CRM team if you:

• have a blackout similar to any you had before you had your pacemaker implanted
• notice any twitching in your shoulder where the pacemaker is situated, or in your abdomen
• have a sensation of persistent hiccups

When will the pacemaker be checked?

You will have:

• An initial check four to six weeks after the procedure.
• A three month check (only if you do not have, or wish to have, home monitoring).
• Annual checks until the battery of the pacemaker starts to deplete.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the battery last?

• A pacemaker battery usually lasts between eight and ten years. The staff at your pacemaker clinic will keep a close check on the life of your battery and they will not allow it to run out completely. When the battery is running low you will need to go back into hospital and have a new pacemaker fitted.

Am I able to drive?

• DVLA guidelines state the you must not drive for seven days post implantation of your device.
• You must tell the DVLA that you have a pacemaker implanted.
• It is advisable to inform your insurance company that you have a pacemaker implanted (they may require you to fill in additional medical information).

Am I able travel?

• We would advise you not travel until you have had your initial check at four to six weeks.
• If you travel abroad you are advised to inform airport security that you have a pacemaker.
• Show them your ID card; they will perform a manual search.

Are there electrical appliances I should not use?

• Well-maintained microwave ovens and most other home electrical appliances should have no effect on your pacemaker.
• It is advisable to check the information supplied with each appliance.
• If you have an induction hob you will need to stay at least 24 inches (0.6 meters) away from it; walk further away if you feel dizzy or think you may pass out.
• If you use a mobile phone, you should use it in the ear opposite to the pacemaker and not carry it in the chest pocket of a shirt or jacket.
• If you use an iPad or e-reader, do not rest them on top of the pacemaker.
• Any magnetic items should be avoided.

Can I exercise?

• Most sporting activities will not effect your pacemaker; you should, however, wait for your device to be checked at four to six weeks.
• Golf and swimming should be avoided for at least two months.
• Contact sports should be avoided altogether.

Is there anything else I need to know?

• Most shops have anti-theft devices in place which could be activated by your pacemaker. If this happens, present your pacemaker ID card. These devices will not interfere with your pacemaker if you walk through them, but do not linger around them.
• Radio frequencies are safe to use as long as the antenna is six inches away from your pacemaker site.
• Do not lean over your car engine while it is running as the alternator could affect your pacemaker function.
• If you feel unwell after undertaking any of the activities described in this leaflet, or any other activity, you are advised to contact the CRM team.

Does anyone else need to know about my pacemaker?

• If you visit a healthcare professional who requires you to have further investigations, please ensure that they are aware you have a pacemaker.
• You must inform your physician and CRM team if you are told that you need radiation therapy, as we will need to see you more often.
• If you need a surgical procedure, you must tell the surgeon/ pre-assessment nurse that you have a pacemaker.
• Pain control machines, such as MicroTens, should if possible be avoided. Please contact the CRM team for advice.

If you have any questions, please ask the healthcare team who will be happy to discuss this with you.

References

• NICE clinical guideline No 74: Surgical site infection (October 2008)
• Department of Health: High Impact Intervention No 4: Care bundle to preventing surgical site infection (August 2007)
• British Heart Rhythm Society Clinical standards and guidelines for the follow up of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) for cardiac rhythm management BHRS-CIED-FU-Standards-June22.docx (opens in a new tab) (June 2022)
• Cardiovascular disorders: assessing fitness to drive (opens in a new tab) gov.uk (June 2022)

Contacts/ further information

This leaflet is not exhaustive, but is meant as a basis for discussion. If you need any further advice, please contact the CRM team via 01223 256233 or email us.

For changes to your appointments please call 01223 216990.