Pacemaker Follow-Up, Monitoring, and Reprogramming

A pacemaker is a small device that is implanted into the chest region to control abnormal heart rhythms. This unit uses low-energy electrical pulses to alert the heart to beat normally. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is similar to a pacemaker, but it uses high-energy electrical pulses to correct and treat dangerous arrhythmias. Once you have a pacemaker, you will need to go for follow-up evaluations. Also, pacemakers require monitoring and reprogramming.

Devices that Interfere with the Pacemaker

There are several electrical devices that have strong magnetic fields. These devices can interfere with the functioning of your pacemaker. You will want to avoid close or prolonged contact with these electrical units. They include:

• High-tension wires
• Cell phones
• MP3 players and iPods
• Microwave ovens
• Industrial welders
• Electrical generators

Tips on Avoiding Electrical Devices

Any of these devices can disrupt the electrical signaling of your pacemaker. To be on the safe side, we recommend that you do not put your cell phone, MP3 player, or iPod in your shirt pocket. Also, you want to hold your cell phone up to the ear that is on the opposite side of your pacemaker site. If you have your iPod or MP3 player strapped to your arm, put it on the arm that is opposite of where the pacemaker site. Additionally, stay at least two feet away from electrical generators and industrial welders.

You can use microwave ovens and other household appliance, but you must avoid prolonged exposure. When you go through security at an airport, notify the staff that you have a pacemaker. Don’t let the metal detector wand be hold for a long time over your pacemaker site.

Medical Procedures to Avoid

Certain medical procedures and diagnostic tests can disrupt your pacemaker. Be sure to let all medical personnel known that you have a pacemaker. Your heart doctor will give you a card to carry with you that states the type of pacemaker you have. Procedures and test to avoid include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Shock-Wave Lithotripsy
• Electrocauterization

Pacemaker Care

Your doctor will want to check your pacemaker about every three months. To assess your pacemaker, the doctor will have you come to the office several times a year. Many functions of the pacemaker can be checked through the telephone or with computer technology. With wear and over time, a pacemaker can stop working properly due to:

• A weak battery
• Wires that are broken or dislodged
• Progressive heart disease
• Devices that disrupt electrical signaling

Battery Replacement

Pacemaker batteries last from 5 to 15 years, depending on the pacemaker activity. The doctor will replace the pacemaker generator and batteries periodically. This is less involved than surgery.

Pacemaker Programming

There are two main types of pacemaker programming: demand pacing and rate-responsive pacing. A demand pacemaker monitors the rhythm of your heart, sending electrical pulses only if the heart is beating too slow or misses a beat. With the rate-responsive pacemaker, the unit only speeds up or slows down your heart rate when necessary. This is done by monitoring your breathing, blood temperature, and sinus node heart rate.

Pacemaker Check Schedule

A pacemaker check is done at regular intervals to assess for pacemaker function. These are done by a cardiology technician who uses computer technology to assess the pacemaker.

• Initial Check
• 6 Weeks Check
• 3 Month Check
• 6 Month Check
• 1 Year Check

What to Expect

When your pacemaker is checked, you will be asked to remove your shirt. Lying on your back on an exam table, the technician applies electrodes to your chest and a special magnet. The computer assesses the pacemaker and tells the technician how it is working. This allows the technician and cardiologist to adjust the pacemaker. During this check, the technician sees if the battery levels are functioning correctly and reprograms the unit as necessary.

AZ Heart Doctor is the premier Phoenix cardiologist with 2 offices – Mesa and Tempe. Most insurance is accepted, and comprehensive noninterventional cardiology services are offered. Call (480) 300-4646 for more information and scheduling.

References

MedicineNet.com (2012):  http://www.medicinenet.com/pacemaker/article.htm

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. (2013). Pacemaker:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pace/pace_all.html