Your pacemaker and you What is the lifespan of my pacemaker? It depends on: - the type of box (simple or double chamber) - the mode of stimulation/ stimulation mode (continuous or discontinuous) - the setting of some energy-consuming algorithms - the model - the brand - the leads' characteristics. The lifespan can double. On average, the device lasts from 6 to 8 years but digital technology could lengthen its lifespan. What should the frequency of the check-ups be? Ideally, you should go back to the implant center every 6 months. This can be modified by your attending cardiologist according to the evolution of your cardiopathy. When your battery reaches the end of its lifespan, you might need to have check-ups more often. Are some drugs contra-indicated? No, on the contrary, in some cases, the implant of a pacemaker enables the use of some drugs that you wouldn't tolerate without electronic protection. Some drugs, like aspirin, Plavix© and anticoagulants (Sintrom©, Previscan©) can facilitate the upcoming of/ lead to bruises and haematomas around the box. What signs should I worry about? - A recurrence of the symptoms which led to the implantation of the pacemaker (syncope, fainting/ malaise, vertigo, fatigue/ weariness, convulsion, shortness of breath/ breathlessness.). - If the skin facing the box becomes red, inflammatory, if a purulent liquid starts running. - In case of unexplainable fever, you need to consult the implant center. Can a pacemaker break down? Yes, but it is very unusual. Most of the time, the "breakdowns" do not induce any symptoms. If it so happens, they will be similar to the symptoms which led to the implantation of the pacemaker (syncope, fainting/ malaise, vertigo, fatigue/ weariness, convulsion, shortness of breath/ breathlessness.). Those breakdowns can affect either the impulse generator or the stimulation leads. They can be correctly diagnosed only at the implant center. What should I do in case of a trauma of the zone where the pacemaker is implanted? You should consult your cardiologist or even your implant center. This consultation will be all the more urgent that the symptoms which led to the implant have appeared again. Can it be rejected? No. Your pacemaker is made of biocompatible inert metal. If the implant zone becomes red, inflammatory or if the battery shows through the skin, it is not being rejected. It can correspond to an explantation of the box for a local reason (trauma, skin fragility.) or an infection of the device. In any case, you need to consult at your implant center as soon as possible. What should I do if my battery starts to show through the skin? You should go to your implant center as soon as possible, even if it is painless. Is it normal to be sensitive at the site of the implant of the pacemaker? If you have pain in the area of the battery, the most important is to check the skin facing the box. If the skin is red and inflammatory, you should have it checked quickly. If the pain is isolated, it is less urgent. Sometimes, you can feel small "stings" which are nothing to worry about and often disappear as quickly as they have appeared. Is it normal that my battery should slip down as years go by? Yes, because it is implanted between the pectoral muscle and the subcutaneous fat. If the tissues loosen, its weight will make it go down. It is possible to reposition the box when we change the battery if it becomes inconvenient or it threatens the skin. Should I be taking specific precautions in case of surgery or examination like fiberoptic endoscopy, colonoscopy or dental care? Before any surgical or invasive act, you should follow antibiotic prevention (antibioprophylaxy). Your practitioner (surgeon, physician or dentist) knows which procedures to follow. Will I feel something when my battery is almost dead/ reaches the end of its lifespan? No, because during our consultations, we have a gauge at our disposal which enables us to predict far in advance the moment when we will need to change the battery. The same way as your car functions on its reserves, your battery will work as if it were brand new as long as there is energy left. Which medical exams are forbidden due to the battery? MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). You should inform the radiologist because this exam is contraindicated if you carry a pacemaker. Your pacemaker and your environment Can I garden or mend things? It depends on the type of gardening or mending. If it is just doing odd jobs, it won't be any problem as long as the electric devices are well insulated. You shouldn't use devices with a powerful magnetic field or creating strong vibrations (such as hammer drills). In any case, you should call the implanting center. Can I use a cordless phone at home? Yes, without any restriction. Unlike mobile phones, there are no specific precautions to be taken. Can I use GSM mobile phones? Yes, it is recommended to position it on the ear opposite the side of your implant. Can I use my microwave? Yes, without any problem. Can I use everyday appliances such as vacuum cleaner, hair-dryer, electric razor? Yes, without any limitation. My physiotherapist is suggesting electrostimulation sessions. No. You should avoid those because they can deceive your pacemaker. I was offered extra-corporal lithotripsy sessions to break the kidney stones. You should discuss this with the implant center because those sessions should follow specific procedures/ should be made under certain specific conditions. Can I use an electric cooktop/ induction cooker? No. You should not get any closer than 50 cm because it could interfere with the good functioning of your battery. A new relay antenna for mobile phones will be set up on the roof of my building. As of yet, there is no data concerning this question, but from the information we have, it does not seem to present any danger. I live near a power station. High voltage lines are running near my house. Is it dangerous for my battery? No. High tension lines, radars and radio or television transmitters do not present any danger. If you work in a power plant, you should inform your occupational physician to find a new placement. Should I avoid going through metal detectors at supermarket? No, but you should simply avoid standing under the metal detector. Should I avoid going through metal detectors at airports? No, but you should simply avoid standing under the metal detector. In case of a storm, should I be careful? Absolutely not. Lightning, if it doesn't hit you, has no influence on your pacemaker. Your pacemaker in your daily life. Must I put on the safety belt when I'm in a car? It is mandatory. The police will show no leniency whatsoever. Can I go bathing? Apart from the post-surgery period (one month), bathing, even in sea water, is not a problem. Can I travel? All transport systems can be used. You need to wait for the post-surgery check-up before you consider distant travels. Can I stay out in the sun? You should not expose the zone of the pacemaker directly in the sunlight for long. Since the box is made of metal, it would act as a "frying pan" and might damage the skin. Should I change my eating habits? Setting a pacemaker does not imply a change of diet. Only your attending cardiologist can ask you to change your lifestyle not because of your pacemaker, but more generally because of your heart condition. You have to be cautious with strict diets which lead to quick and significant weight loss: they can lead to an explantation. Can I practice a sport? Leisure sports are not contraindicated when you have a pacemaker. As for competition, you generally cannot obtain a permit when you have a pacemaker. Obviously, any sport which is dangerous or which could damage the equipment is positively contraindicated. Can I go hunting? Yes, if the device was implanted on the side opposite the shoulder on which you place the gun. What should I do in case of an electrocution? You should come in where you had your implant to have you pacemaker checked. Can I have sexual intercourse? Yes, sexual intercourse is not a contraindication. Sexual intercourse does not affect your pacemaker. You can do as you did before.