With the looming threat of heart disease in today’s time, one can never be too careful when it comes to cardiovascular health. But sometimes, no matter how many precautions one takes, irregularities can seize the heart, disrupting its regular rhythm. However, thanks to technological advancements, a pacemaker is one such object that helps give your heart another chance.
It’s a medical device that ensures your heart beats at a consistent and healthy rhythm. Although, despite being an amazing invention, there are a few things you can’t do with a pacemaker. This mainly includes being around strong electromagnetic signals and lifting heavy objects.
What Is A Pacemaker?
Usually known to be tiny, a pacemaker is an electronic device inserted under your skin’s surface. Depending on your case’s severity, pacemakers can be temporary or permanent.
Moreover, it is important to keep in mind that pacemakers are typically implanted near the collarbone since it helps to achieve better readings. This is done by sending electrically crafted pulses to your heart, jolting it awake and allowing the heart to beat in a cyclic manner. The entire process of fake pulses sets in stone the ability to keep the heart within a healthy range.
Not to mention, pacemakers are usually only recommended for people who deal with serious cases of heart arrhythmia, blockages, or other severe cardiovascular conditions.
Things You Can’t Do With A Pacemaker
Here are some everyday activities you might not be able to get through with a pacemaker attached to your chest.
- Partake in Strenuous Physical Activities
Exercise is good for your health, but overworking your body might not be the smartest idea when you’re suffering from a pre-existing heart condition. This includes participating in weightlifting, HIIT workouts, and other strenuous activities. - Be Around Electromagnetic Fields
Since pacemakers run on electronic signals, being too close to an electromagnetic field can mess with its system. Thus, to avoid functionality issues, maintain a healthy distance between the electronic devices and your pacemaker. - Using Heavy Machinery
Wielding heavy machineries such as chainsaws, welders, and the like is also considered harmful. It’s best to stay away from DIY projects. - Engage In Contact Sports
Football, volleyball, basketball, hockey, and other sports requiring close contact are highly prohibited when wearing a pacemaker. - Undergo Certain Medical Procedures
Having a pacemaker can limit other medical procedures. For instance, radiation therapy or dental work requiring electromagnetic appliances can interfere with the pacemaker’s basic function. - Hold Your Phone Too Close
This might seem a little surprising, but cellular signals can also be harmful to pacemakers. It is advised to hold your phone at least six inches away from the location of the pacemaker to avoid any damage. - Be Near Magnets
Much like a powerful electromagnetic field, simple magnets are also capable of causing more harm to you than good. Be it playing with small magnets or lying under a magnetic MRI machine, it is best to limit these interactions.
Conclusion
All in all, there may be a few things you can’t do with a pacemaker, but the majority of the time, pacemakers are known to boost your heart health. They’re extremely helpful and are a wonderful extension of remote heart monitoring. For more information, contact Octagos Health at (281) 769-8733. You can also find us at 13325 Hargrave Rd Suite 281, Houston, TX 77070, located on the first floor of the Hargrave Plaza.