PREPARING

FOR
A
PACEMAKER
 What is a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a device that is implanted into the chest or abdomen to
control abnormal heart rhythms and create a stable rhythm. The device
is controlled by electrical pulses that cue the heart to beat in at a
normal rate. (University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 2018).
The Pacemaker’s role is:

 Control the beating and rhythm of the heart.

 Make sure the ventricles and atriums contract and relax in
coordination.
 Coordinate electrical signaling between the upper and lower
portions of the heart.
(Mayo Clinic, 2018).

Who may need a Pacemaker?

People of all ages may
need a Pacemaker!
 Heart Arrhythmias
 Heart Block
 Congestive Heart Failure
 Deconditioning
Just to name a few…
(NIH, n.d)

(Image: University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 2018)

How to Prepare for a Pacemaker
Diagnostic Testing

Electrocardiogram
sensor pads with wires
(electrodes) placed om your
chest to measure your heart’s
impulses. (Mayo Clinic, 2018)

Holter Monitoring
(known as ambulatory monitor)
is a Holter that records the heart
rhythm for a full 24-hour
timespan, with a battery-
operated device in your pocket
that records the information.
(Mayo Clinic, 2018)

Echocardiogram
uses harmless sound waves that help the doctor to see your
heart without making incisions. A small instrument called a
transducer is put on your chest and collects the echoes of you
sound waves and transfers the information onto a machine,
which creates a picture. (Mayo Clinic, 2018)
Before the Procedure…
Take a breather, it actually just a minor surgery!!
Before the surgery, an intravenous (IV) line will be inserted
into one of your veins. You will receive medicine through the
IV line to help you relax, they may make you feel a little sleepy.
(NIH, n.d)

Most pacemaker surgeries use local anesthetic, so it’s a much less risky
then a global anesthetic, and only takes a few hours to complete.
(Mayo Clinic, 2018).

During the Procedure…

During the surgery, insulated wires (aka electrodes) are inserted into a
vein under the collarbone, that leads to the heart. One end is attached
to the right spot on the heart, and the other end it attached to the
actual device (pulse generator), which is implanted underneath the
collarbone (Mayo Clinic, 2018).

After the Procedure…

Good News! You only have to stay in the
hospital one day after surgery!
Your pacemaker will be set to your
proper heart rhythm, and you will be
scheduled for a check up in a few weeks
to make sure all is well.
(Mayo Clinic, 2018).
Living with a Pacemaker
After you leave the hospital they can check your
pacemaker with wireless technology!
Your pacemaker actually sends information
about your heart and rhythm to your doctor’s
office, similar to how a cellphone sends a text
message. Your doctor will schedule
appointments to meet with you and check your
pacemaker, but those will eventually only need
1-2 a year (NIH, n.d).
Your battery life should last up to 15 years, and your leads should last
even longer! The procedure to replace these is often much quicker then
the original surgery and has a much faster recovery rate. Don’t worry, it
would just up and quit, it will send alerts to your doctor when it starts
to decrease, and your doctor will then call you and set
up an appointment (NIH, n.d).

Special Precautions…
1. Security Systems: Although it may not interfere
with your pacemaker, you will most likely set them off, notify
security at airports, or events, and they will walk you through.
2. Medical Equipment: Things with high magnetism, or electrical
signals may interfere with your device, always make it known of
your device before going using equipment
3. Power Generators: Stand at least 2 feet (60 centimeters) from
welding equipment, high-voltage transformers or motor-
generator systems.
(Mayo Clinic, 2018)
 References
Mayo Clinic (2018). Pacemakers. Retrieved 03/06/2018, from:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pacemaker/about/pac-20384689

National Heart, Lungs, and Blood Institute (NIH) (n.d). Pacemakers. Retrieved 03/06/2018, from:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pacemakers

University of Ottawa, Heart Institute (2018). Pacemaker Implantation Patient Guide. Retrieved on
03/06/2018, from:

https://www.ottawaheart.ca/pacemaker-implantation-patient-guide/discharge-follow-care