Health Tip: Living With a Pacemaker

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(HealthDay News) -- A pacemaker is implanted in the upper chest to help regulate an irregular heartbeat. Once you have the device, you should avoid "close and prolonged contact" with electronics and appliances that emit magnetic fields, the U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says.

The agency offers this additional advice for people living with a pacemaker:

• If your doctor recommends so, avoid participating in high-contact sports or activities that could damage or dislodge the pacemaker.
• Ask your doctor to inspect your pacemaker regularly.
• Have the pacemaker's battery checked regularly.
• Let any medical professional whose services you use know that you have a pacemaker.

-- Diana Kohnle

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