Pacemaker (cont.)
When to report problems to the doctor
During the first one to two weeks after implantation, fever
along with excessive pain, redness, swelling, heat at the pacemaker
site, and fluid drainage from the pacemaker site can represent
infection. Report these symptoms to the doctor promptly.
Recurrence of weakness, dizziness, or any symptoms that a patient
experienced before implantation may represent pacemaker malfunction.
Other symptoms possibly related to malfunction include muscle
twitches, fast and pounding heartbeats, and shortness of breath.
These symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
What outside electrical sources are safe?
Modern pacemakers are well protected from most household
electrical appliances in good condition such as radios, televisions,
stereos, microwave ovens, electrical blankets, computers, vacuum
cleaners, etc.
What outside electrical sources can
interfere with the pacemaker?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) is a diagnostic test for
studying the brain, the joints, the spine, the liver, and other
organs. The strong magnetic field from the MRI scan can interfere
with pacemakers. Patients with pacemakers should not undergo MRI
scanning.
Digital cellular phones can interfere with pacemakers. Therefore,
the cellular phone should be held on the ear opposite from the side
of the pacemaker. Do not carry the phone in the pocket near the
chest.
Theft detector gates in certain stores can generate signals that
interfere with the pacemaker. While it is safe for patients with
pacemakers to quickly walk through these gates, they should not stand
at the gates or near them.
Similarly, the metal detector gates at airports can also
interfere with the pacemaker. This problem can be avoided by presenting the
pacemaker ID card to the security officers and walking around the
gates. Hand held security wands (such as those used by security
officers) have magnetic fields that can interfere with the device.
Scanning by these wands should be avoided.
Heavy-duty electrical powered equipment such as arc
welders, a running car engine, and certain electrically powered surgical tools
can also cause disturbances with pacemakers. Patients should obtain
permission from their doctors prior to driving a car or operating
equipment which may fall into the above category. Although a running
car should not interfere with a pacemaker during driving, a patient
should not lean over a running engine. Any other concerns and
precautions should be discussed with your doctor.
Next: When should the battery be replaced? »
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