Thousands of Americans receive a pacemaker every year, which helps keep their heart beating correctly. A pacemaker is a small electronic device that can give you relief from dizziness, fainting, and shortness of breath. And help you feel better. It can also save you from arrhythmias. Here are few pacemaker tips to help you.
In some cases, it is seen that patients, after recovery, can exercise even more than earlier. But if you have a pacemaker implanted within you, you must take some precautions. Such as:
- You must follow strict instructions after your surgery for a fast recovery. You might feel a little bit of pain and swelling on the incision site where the pacemaker has been implanted. Hence it would be best if you avoided any stretching and exercising for a couple of days still. Your doctors can advise you when to start exercising again.
- You may feel that your heartbeat is back to the usual after some time of having the surgery. But still, do not stop taking your heart medication. Please speak to your doctor and let them advise you on what to do.
- The implanted pacemaker will be the size of a small matchbox. And you will need to avoid putting any physical pressure on your pacemaker site. Even avoid rubbing or scratching it. Place a little padding over the area to protect against such stress.
- You can travel by car, train, or airplane but make sure you do not linger around the security scanning machine for long. This may affect your pacemaker.
- You can use your smartphone without any trouble but be precautious. Do not keep the smartphone in your shirt pocket near your heart.
- High-voltage power lines and electrical disruptors can interfere with your pacemaker’s electrical activity, which could disrupt your heart rate. It would be best to avoid extra exposure to microwave ovens, TVs, and remote controls considered safe.
- Ensure you notify health professionals that you have a pacemaker, especially when you will be undergoing an MRI or mammography.
- Always carry your pacemaker ID card along. That is because in case you might need emergency treatment, and you’re unconscious. Your medical administrator can know the details of your pacemaker to go ahead and perform the treatment.
- Make sure you visit your doctor regularly because your pacemaker needs a close monitor. Your doctor will ask you to keep a check on your heartbeat and heart rate closely, along with other vital signs, and report any anomalies or concerns right away.
There are many ways to ensure you live a healthy life with a pacemaker. To learn more about pacemakers, call us now, and our team at Octagos Health will assist you. You can contact us at 281-769-8733.