A pacemaker is a small electrical device that is implanted in the body to correct abnormal heart rhythms. Electrical impulses provide a slight electrical charge to jolt the heart back into rhythm. When implanted successfully, pacemakers can help people lead active lives.
Restrict Activity for Quick Healing
Take it easy for the first month or so after receiving the pacemaker. Straining, pushing, and pulling are not activities that a pacemaker recipient should do. Also, resist the urge to lift your arms above shoulder height for that period unless absolutely necessary. The easier you are on the area of the implant, the faster and better it will heal.
Be Wary of Your Environment
While there are often signs around to warn pacemaker recipients of dangerous conditions, it isn't a good idea to rely on others to let you know when you are in an area that may not be healthy for your pacemaker. Areas with a particularly high voltage, a magnetic field and radiation can be trouble for a person with a pacemaker.
Know the Malfunction Symptoms
All pacemaker patients should be well-versed in what it feels like when the pacemaker has malfunctioned. Dizziness, heart pains or arrhythmia and lightheadedness are all indicators of possible pacemaker malfunction.
Carry Your Pacemaker Card at All Times
When you receive your pacemaker you are assigned a pacemaker card. Although they can't be harmed by a metal detector, pacemakers are made of metal and will cause a detector to go off---seemingly for no reason. A pacemaker card proves that you have a pacemaker and require a special type of search.
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