Is There Anything I Can’t Do with a Pacemaker?

Your heart is a little like an electrical appliance. It’s a pump that functions on electrical impulses. If you have problems with those impulses, a pacemaker can help — but it does require some precautions.

For some people, a pacemaker is a life-saving miracle. It’s a small medical device implanted in your body that controls the electrical impulses in your heart. In most cases, a pacemaker makes sure your heart doesn’t beat too slowly.

At Heart & Vascular Institute, with five Michigan locations, we offer comprehensive cardiology care. If your heart beats too slowly or too fast or you have an irregular heart rhythm, our experts may recommend a pacemaker.

Once you’ve had the procedure and recovered, you should be aware of a few things that can disrupt the function of your pacemaker.

Pacemaker basics

Modern pacemakers are small, battery-operated devices that activate when sensors detect the heart is too slow or fast. The most appropriate type of pacemaker depends on your specific rhythm problem.

Single-lead or single-chamber pacemakers connect to just one chamber of your heart, while dual-chamber pacemakers can send electrical signals to the upper and lower right chambers. A biventricular pacemaker stimulates both lower chambers and can help with heart failure.

What pacemakers correct

When the electrical system in your heart doesn’t work, a pacemaker may be the best treatment. If you have an irregular heartbeat, for example, a pacemaker may help keep your rhythm steady.

Or, if you had a heart attack that damaged your heart, a pacemaker may help regulate your heartbeat and strengthen your heart muscle.

Precautions

Pacemakers today are safer than ever. You may need to avoid a few things, but there’s also a lot of misinformation about what can cause a malfunction in your pacemaker.

Your microwave won’t disrupt your pacemaker. It’s fine to use an electric blanket on your bed. You don’t have to worry about your remote control. Our staff gives you specific instructions regarding your pacemaker, but please let us know if you have questions.

Use caution when around items that fall into certain categories, including:

Power-generating equipment

If your job includes welding, for example, discuss the equipment you use with your care team. You may need a safety test at work to make sure the equipment won’t interfere with your pacemaker.

Cellphones

Using a cellphone is safe, but keep it about 6 inches away from your pacemaker. You shouldn’t carry your phone in a shirt pocket. Security systems or metal detectors

Walking through a metal detector won’t hurt you, but your pacemaker may set off the alarm. You should keep an ID card with you that says you have a pacemaker, and don’t linger near metal detecting systems.

Medical equipment

Magnetic fields can disrupt a pacemaker, so tests like MRIs and CT scans can interfere with its proper function. Tell your health care providers, including your dentist, that you have a pacemaker.

Get personalized advice

Rather than worry about what you can and can’t do with your pacemaker, make an appointment by phone or online today at the Heart & Vascular Institute location near you to talk to one of our experts. We can help you live comfortably without compromising safety.