How to live after having a pacemaker installed? Video: installing a pacemaker. Prohibited medical procedures

Life expectancy with an implanted pacemaker may exceed the average life expectancy of people without a pacemaker. The pacemaker provides round-the-clock heart support, eliminating the symptoms of bradycardia, atrial fibrillation and other heart ailments, and reduces the risks of developing coronary heart disease and cardiac muscle arrest.

Cardiac pathologies often accompany the natural aging process of the body. People with a pacemaker are protected from sudden complications that can lead to death for a person without a pacemaker.

Uninformed patients believe that life with an pacemaker can be significantly shorter than without it. But practice proves the opposite. The first patient to have a pacemaker implanted outlived his doctor.

The doctor is always aware of the work of your heart

In 2009, a revolutionary event for cardio medicine took place. For the first time, the patient was implanted with a pacemaker from the German manufacturer Biotronik with a system for recording and transmitting data on the work of the patient’s heart muscle to the attending physician. Information about the functioning of the heart is collected in a continuous monitoring mode, which makes it possible to record minimal deviations in the functioning of the heart muscle. The doctor receives information through a special application on his mobile phone. A significant part of the measurements carried out by the German brand Biotronik ECS were previously carried out only in equipped clinical centers. Mobility diagnostic procedure coupled with its implementation in a constant monitoring mode, opened up new opportunities for European medicine to preserve human life.

Installation of tracking pacemakers can be carried out at the German cardiology clinic Delius Praxis. Installing a modern pacemaker helps mitigate risks sudden death, which has a positive effect on the statistics of life expectancy with a pacemaker.

A pacemaker can save a life from an accident.

Many people are aware of the minor restrictions that people wearing pacemakers experience: avoid the magnetic frames of detectors, do not use firearms, do not scuba dive, do not engage in contact fighting.

But there is also the other side of the coin. A pacemaker can prevent cardiac arrest during fatal hypothermia. There are known cases when climbers, travelers, people who had accidents survived despite the extremely low temperatures with which their bodies struggled. The pacemaker of the survivors did not allow the heart to stop, allowing them to survive a situation in which a person without a pacemaker would have had less chance.

Answering the main question

And still. How long do patients live with a pacemaker? Life expectancy is not at all limited by this factor. We will only note that at the Delius clinic there are patients for whom ECS has been prolonging their lives every second for three decades. And note that these patients have a busy and active life. Modern pacemakers are well protected even from MRI radiation, they are reliable, trouble-free and do not allow pathological changes to develop without the knowledge of the doctor and the patient.

A pacemaker (electrical pacemaker, artificial pacemaker, pacemaker, IVR) is a special device that uses electrical impulses to set the heart to the correct rhythm. A pacemaker saves the patient from sudden death due to cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation. It maintains or imposes the correct rhythm on the heart. Some pacemakers can also stop arrhythmias immediately when they occur.

A qualified arrhythmologist installs and configures the pacemaker. This doctor is also responsible for further maintenance of this device. You will need to visit him from time to time to check the pacemaker's operation and, if necessary, to reprogram the device.

How does a pacemaker work?

What is a pacemaker, what are its components:

A generator (source) of electrical impulses, which is located under the skin on the right or left side of the chest. This is a miniature device weighing about 50 g, equipped with its own battery.
Electrodes. They are carried directly to the chambers of the heart that need to be affected. They carry an electrical impulse from the source to the heart. Depending on the type of pacemaker, there can be from one to three electrodes.

The part of the device that is installed under the skin is coated with titanium, so the risk of rejection is almost zero.

Indications and contraindications for installing a pacemaker

A pacemaker is implanted in patients with bradyarrhythmias (arrhythmias with a slow heartbeat), intracardiac blockades (impaired conduction of impulses through the heart) and tachyarrhythmias (arrhythmias with a rapid heartbeat).

Indications for pacemaker installation:

Symptoms for which the installation of a pacemaker is indicated:

For bradyarrhythmias: pulse below 40 beats per minute during the daytime, pauses in the heartbeat longer than 3 seconds.
For tachyarrhythmias: fainting and presyncope due to attacks of tachyarrhythmias, increased risk of ventricular fibrillation.

There are no absolute contraindications.

Postponement of surgery is possible if:

acute inflammatory diseases;
exacerbation peptic ulcer gastrointestinal tract;
acute phase mental illness, in which contact between the patient and doctors is impossible.

There are no age restrictions: a pacemaker can be installed at any age.

Examination before pacemaker installation

To make a decision about pacemaker implantation, the arrhythmologist will need the results of the following diagnostic procedures:

24-hour Holter ECG monitoring.
Stress ECG.
X-ray of the chest organs.
EchoCG (ultrasound of the heart).
Dopplerography of the brachiocephalic arteries.
Coronary angiography (examination of the coronary arteries).
Endocardial EPI.

Types of pacemakers

By functionality they are divided into:

Pacemakers have only the function of setting the heart to the correct rhythm.
Implantable defibrillators-cardioverters - in addition to imposing the correct rhythm on the heart, can also stop arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation.

Patients with bradyarrhythmias are fitted with conventional pacemakers, and patients with tachyarrhythmias and an increased risk of ventricular fibrillation are fitted with pacemakers with defibrillation and cardioversion functions.

Depending on the area of influence, single-chamber, two-chamber and three-chamber pacemakers are distinguished. Single-chamber pacemakers are connected to one of the atria or one of the ventricles. Two-chamber - one atrium and one ventricle. Three-chamber (another name for such a pacemaker is a cardiac resynchronization device) - to one of the atria and both ventricles.

Click on photo to enlarge

ECS implantation surgery

This surgical procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The implantation process takes about an hour.

The procedure for installing a pacemaker is as follows:

The area of the chest is numbed using local anesthesia.
One or more electrodes are passed through a vein to the desired chambers of the heart.
Check the parameters of the electrodes with an external device.
A small incision is made on the chest. A bed for the main part of the device is formed in the subcutaneous fatty tissue.
The device is installed and the electrodes connected to the heart are connected to it.
The incision is sutured.

In most cases, the source of electrical impulses is located on the left. However, for left-handed people or in the presence of extensive scars on the left side of the chest, it can also be installed on the right.

Postoperative period

After the pacemaker is installed, you will be given sick leave for 3-4 weeks. Except in cases where the pacemaker was installed after a heart attack (then sick leave may last longer).

View of the pacemaker after implantation

You will remain in the hospital under the supervision of doctors for 5–9 days. During this period, pain may occur in the area where the device is implanted.

Other possible complications in the first week after installation of the device include:

hematomas in the area of the operation;
bleeding;
swelling at the site of device implantation;
infection of a postoperative wound;
damage to blood vessels;
pneumothorax;
thromboembolism.

The risk of complications is no more than 5%.

Your doctor may prescribe analgesics to relieve pain. You will also need to take acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) to prevent blood clots. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent or treat surgical wound infection.

Further rehabilitation

Throughout the month, after you have already been discharged from the hospital, you will need to visit an arrhythmologist once a week to check whether the device is working properly.

For 1.5–3 months after implantation of the pacemaker, any physical activity on the arms, shoulders and pectoral muscles, or heavy lifting is prohibited. Also, you should not suddenly raise your left (or right, if the device is installed on the right) hand up and sharply move it to the side.

You should not engage in physical activity for 1–3 months after installing the device. Only therapeutic exercises prescribed by a doctor are possible.

Complications in the future

In the long term after installation of the device, the following may occur:

Swelling of the arm on the side where the pulse generator is located.
Inflammatory process in the heart at the site of electrode attachment.
Displacement of the device from the bed in which it was installed.
Fatigue during physical activity (more often develops in older people).
Electrical stimulation of the diaphragm or chest muscles (possible if the device is installed incorrectly, as well as due to its malfunction).

The risk of developing these complications is 6–7%.

Life with a pacemaker

Visit your arrhythmologist regularly to examine the pacemaker and, if necessary, reconfigure it. If there is no arrhythmologist in your city, then you will have to go to the clinic where there is one, since ordinary cardiologists do not have special skills and equipment for diagnosing and reprogramming pacemakers. A consultation with an arrhythmologist lasts about 20 minutes.

Also, for people with ECS, there are restrictions in everyday life, as well as in the areas of physical activity, use of electronics, household appliances and instruments, in undergoing medical procedures, as well as in professional activities.

Limitations in daily life

Avoid applying pressure to the area where the electrical pulse generator is installed.

Avoid blows to the chest and falls on it. This can lead to both breakdown of the pulse generator and displacement of the electrodes located in the heart.

Do not stay for a long time near transformer boxes, electrical panels, or power lines.

Do not stand for a long time near the “frames” at the entrances of shops and airports.

Physical education and sports with a pacemaker

Physical activity and moderate sports activities are allowed for people with an installed pacemaker (except for the first 1.5–3 months after surgery).

Only sports that pose a risk of impact to the pacemaker area, extreme sports, and excessive stress on the body are prohibited. top part bodies.

You cannot engage in boxing, hand-to-hand combat and other martial arts, any types of wrestling, football, rugby, basketball, hockey, parachute jumping, etc. It is also undesirable to engage in shooting.

Exercises on the pectoral muscles using weights are prohibited in the gym.

Use of household appliances, electronics, tools

There are no risks associated with the correct use of the following devices:

Fridge.
Dishwasher.
Electronic balance.
Ionizing air filters, air humidifiers, automatic fragrances.
Hair curling irons and straightening irons.
Calculator.
Battery-powered flashlight, laser pointer.
Printer, fax, scanner, copier.
Barcode Scanner.

The use of other devices is also permitted. The only rule is to maintain the required distance between the device and the pacemaker.

Read more about the distance in the table.

It is prohibited to use or be closer than 2.5 m from welding equipment over 160 amperes.

Limitations in professional activities

loader;
electrician;
electrician;
welder.

There are no restrictions on working with a computer.

If the pacemaker was installed due to severe heart failure, it is possible to assign disability groups 3–2.

Prohibited medical procedures

Patients with installed pacemaker should not undergo:

MRI (however, there are some models of stimulators that allow you to undergo MRI - check with the doctor who installed the device for you);
Physiotherapeutic and cosmetic procedures using electric, magnetic and other types of radiation. These are electrophoresis, diathermy, heating, magnetic therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, etc. Full list you can check with your doctor.
Ultrasound with the beam directed directly at the device.

Before having any medical procedures or surgery, tell your doctor that you have a pacemaker.

Forecast: service life, efficiency

The warranty period for pacemakers ranges from 3 to 5 years, depending on the manufacturer. The service life for which the device’s battery is designed is 8–10 years. After the battery is discharged or the device fails, the pacemaker will need to be replaced.

Often the electrodes passed to the heart are still in good condition. In such cases, they are not touched, but only the main part of the device is replaced - the electrical pulse generator. If the device fails before expiration warranty period, free replacement under warranty is possible, except in cases where the device breaks down due to your fault.

The pacemaker is very effective in eliminating bradyarrhythmias. As for tachyarrhythmias, the device copes with attacks of supraventricular tachycardia in almost 100% of cases, and with atrial flutter, flutter or ventricular fibrillation – in 80–99% of cases.

I have had my ex reprogrammed 16 times in 2.5 years, but every time I have some problems. where can I get tested for this?

Hello, Love. Checking the operation of the installed pacemaker is carried out in cardiology centers and departments thoracic surgery, installing artificial pacemakers, regional or specialized clinics. Control rooms can also be organized by the manufacturing company in the centers for technical support. A number of private cardiology clinics provide this service for a fee, including at home. Find out.

Pacemaker: what are the contraindications after its installation?

The installation of pacemakers in patients with cardiovascular diseases has been practiced all over the world for many years.

The main purpose of this device is to maintain normal contraction of the myocardium of the heart, as well as to prolong the life of the body.

Radical indications for installing a stimulator

Installation of a pacemaker in mandatory case necessary if:

The patient is diagnosed with bradycardia, accompanied by constant dizziness and fainting;
cessation of bioelectrical activity of the heart for 3 or more seconds (can be monitored by performing an ECG);
2-3 degree atrioventricular block is supplemented by other cardiopathy;
development of heart block after myocardial infarction.

development of heart block after myocardial infarction

When the installation of a stimulator is absolutely necessary, it can be carried out in an emergency and without undergoing additional preoperative studies.

development of atrioventricular block, but without pronounced symptoms;
Fainting conditions of the patient due to intraventricular blockades, while no other causes of fainting are observed.

In cases where the installation of the device is only recommended and is not mandatory, the patient independently makes the decision to implant a pacemaker.

heavy physical activity when installing the device is contraindicated

Installation of a pacemaker: do's and don'ts?

A device such as a pacemaker has its justified contraindications. The main ones are the impact of electro magnetic field and physical activity, which impairs the performance of the device. IN mandatory, before any study you need to warn about the presence of an implant.

After installing a pacemaker, the following contraindications exist in the patient’s life:

MRI examination;
heavy physical activity;
be near electrical substations;
carry a mobile phone or magnets in your breast pocket;
stay close to metal detectors for a long time;
Carrying out cholelithotripsy (shock wave treatment) only after preliminary adjustment of the pacemaker.

First 7 days after implantation

In the first week after installation of a pacemaker, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

The postoperative wound should be kept sterile and dry. Treatment is carried out according to the recommendations of the doctor and medical personnel;
if no complications are observed in the first 4-5 days, the incision site successfully regenerates, then you are allowed to take a non-hot shower;
Until the wound is completely healed, lifting weights over 5 kg is prohibited.

The most suitable physical activity is walking

First month after implantation

As mentioned above, if you have a pacemaker, physical activity is not allowed, but this applies to heavy and prolonged exercise. The most suitable physical activity is walking, and its duration is chosen individually by the patient. If in the first six months the patient’s health is satisfactory, there are no deviations in the operation of the pacemaker, then you can resort to other light sports, for example, visiting the pool or table tennis.

It is also necessary to regularly visit a cardiologist; a routine examination for patients with pacemakers is once every 6 months.

How to live after having a pacemaker installed?

There are no restrictions that could significantly affect the patient’s life. It is allowed to use all household appliances: refrigerator, radio, microwave oven, computer, etc. However, in order to protect the device from possible damage, you should not approach all household appliances closer than 15 cm. Avoid any contact with the welding equipment. equipment and high-voltage wires. Upon discharge, the patient is given a passport for the pacemaker, where all restrictions and recommendations are carefully described.

It is advisable not to hold the phone near where the pacemaker is located.

As for the use of mobile phones, there are no obvious contraindications, however, communication should not be prolonged. It is advisable not to keep the phone near where the pacemaker is located.

As mentioned above, sports are allowed, but only light types. Under no circumstances should you engage in combat sports or others where the risk of injury is high. Any, even minor blow to the gastrointestinal tract and thoracic region can seriously damage the functioning of the pacemaker.

Life expectancy after pacemaker installation

If we talk about life expectancy after installation of an pacemaker, then the patient’s regularity of visiting the doctor plays a role here. The operating time of the device is on average from 7 to 9-10 years. When the time comes to change the battery, the device will emit a special signal during the examination. It is for this reason that it is believed that the patient’s life span directly depends on the frequency of visits to the cardiologist.

The operating time of the device is on average from 7 to 9-10 years

The lifespan of patients who regularly follow doctors' recommendations and undergo routine examinations is the same as that of people without an pacemaker.

Read also on this topic:

Copying information is permitted only with a link to the source.

Rehabilitation after surgery to install a pacemaker (pacemaker)

Rehabilitation after installation of a pacemaker (electrical pacemaker - pacemaker, or heart driver/heart rhythm) is divided into two parts: directly post-operative care in a hospital setting (inpatient) and at home after discharge. I will tell you about my rehabilitation after installing the pacemaker.

My experience is limited. Perhaps for many it will seem too risky (it is possible that it will be so). It's easier for me to recover because I:

young - at the time of implantation I was only 27 years old;
I have been involved in sports for quite a long time - about 14 years;
Before the heart surgery, I did not feel any sensations of deteriorating health - no dizziness, no darkening of the eyes, no fainting;
They installed a fairly expensive foreign device for me.

However, my rehabilitation did not always go as smoothly as I would have liked. For example, by the end of the second month after the operation, I noticed that the seam had become noticeably wider. Other side effects from the pacemaker were tingling in the area where the device was implanted after the last more or less intense physical exercise (with loads on the arm: push-ups, pull-ups).

Naturally, I immediately turned to Google, which offered me several options in response: a hypertrophic scar, a keloid scar, it simply doesn’t heal well. The advice is also different: anoint special ointment(contubex, betadine) or wait until it goes away on its own.

The device itself and its operation bothered me to a lesser extent: only 3 weeks after the operation I began to feel as if something was contracting strongly inside. The sensation was especially strong when I was lying on my left side (the pacemaker was implanted in left breast), when he sat down at the computer desk and slouched while sitting.

The feeling was like something inside was contracting intensely and over a large area. The first thought is a side effect on the diaphragm. However, the local cardiologist considered this unlikely (although contraction of the diaphragm is one of the rare side effects of improper installation of a pacemaker). Soon everything passed.

The ECS also bothered me in that it made it somewhat difficult to move my hand - the device was clearly felt at first, and more strongly if I raised my hand up. Over time, this also passed (raising your arms is not a permanent limitation of activity with a pacemaker). Other unpleasant sensations: tingling in the implantation area (I believe this is due more to the scar than to the ECS itself), a feeling of tension, compression.

The rehabilitation period after installation of a pacemaker

The rehabilitation period after installation of a pacemaker takes general case, ranges from 2 – 3 to 6 – 8 months (depending on how it takes root and how the seam grows together). The period is conventionally divided into several parts:

post-operative care and recovery – the first day after surgery and the next 9 days in the hospital;
the first two to three months - from the point of view of an active lifestyle, this is a period when it is better not to put any strain on the upper body, and after which you can start swimming (but not breaststroke) and do Nordic walking;
6 – 8 months for complete education scar - at this time it is not recommended to pull, hang on horizontal bars and work with any weights;
follow-up with specialists and following the rules of life with ECS (in some cases, an elderly person and even a child may be assigned a disability).

The rehabilitation period after installation of a pacemaker, starting from discharge, involves:

active image life (walking, arm exercises from 2 months, but no serious load on the arm and/or shoulder girdle);
regular visits to the local cardiologist (once a week during sick leave - it lasts a month, but if necessary, at the request of the patient, it is reduced; after two months - the first trip to the hospital where the pacemaker was installed, for the purpose of reprogramming, adjustment and evaluation of work)
and reception of specialized medications(nothing serious - regular aspirin in an enteric-protective coating, costs 250 rubles for 2 months - the most famous brand: "Aspirin Cardio").

I would like to point out that you shouldn’t be afraid of all this – the worst thing you can do is endlessly beat yourself up. Of course, there will be some restrictions. But they are not that scary. As for restrictions... For example, a positive answer is given to questions such as whether it is possible to sunbathe with a pacemaker, engage in active sports, or work in a specialty if it is not related to the maintenance of electrical installations.

Many patients begin a rehabilitation program already in the hospital: even walking up flights of stairs - for 5-6 days after surgery! In my experience, men over 50 did not shy away from this route. On the other hand, recovery happens differently for everyone: for some it was difficult to walk along the corridor.

Side effects can be eliminated by reprogramming the pacemaker (carried out only in the hospital, using a programmer). Reprogramming is often used during the first or second year after implantation of the pacemaker (usually in the nature of additional adjustment of the device). Or - upon request.

Rehabilitation after pacemaker implantation at home

Further rehabilitation of patients after surgery to implant a pacemaker takes place at home - this is important! But under the supervision of a local cardiologist and with visits to the cardiac center (thoracic surgery center, regional hospital - in general, the place where the operation is performed).

Implantation of a pacemaker is a heart operation, so rehabilitation (recovery) requires compliance with general rules for “core people”: stick to it if possible Mediterranean diet, don’t worry too much and lead a moderately active lifestyle, without overload. Additional restrictions include the exclusion of passing through magnetic frames at airports, train stations, and customs control.

There are no special restrictions on housework (vacuuming, washing dishes, ironing clothes, washing with a machine, dusting, etc.). Although it is recommended to monitor your well-being, do not raise your arms high and do not carry large loads (do not rearrange furniture or lift buckets of water).

It is advisable to walk more (walking is a good aerobic and cardio exercise). Personally, I chose for myself a model with morning walks on weekdays (before work) and weekend walks in the evenings or during the day. TO homework started a few days after discharge, started work the next day (but I’m an employee mental work).

Speaking of work: there are no restrictions either for the rehabilitation period immediately after the operation or subsequently, unless you are a loader, do not work with power tools, or are an electrician. There are no restrictions regarding mental work, just talk less on your cell phone.

During the first month, the doctor may advise the patient to avoid intense exercise and heavy physical work. Pain may be felt at the implantation site for a short period of time.

Rules for life after having a pacemaker installed

A pacemaker (CS) is a device that is designed to eliminate the symptoms of bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, sick sinus syndrome, or heart block. Its implantation involves preventing the consequences of heart rhythm disturbances, and not eliminating the very cause of this pathology.

After installation of a pacemaker, the patient's daily life, as a rule, does not undergo significant changes. If you follow simple recommendations and regularly attend scheduled medical examinations, you can avoid all potential problems associated with the “stay” of the device in the body.

Types of pacemakers

Pacemakers are divided into two types: standard, which “triggers” the contraction of the heart chambers, and internal, which combines the functions of a “regular” pacemaker and defibrillator (cardioverter-defibrillator).

A standard CS sends an electrical impulse through special wires that are attached to the heart. This helps in situations where a person with a rhythm disorder has a problem generating a natural electrical signal.

The second type of CS is a combination defibrillator/standard pacemaker. In addition to acting as an artificial pacemaker, which allows you to control the heart rate and their regularity, it can stop the “lethal rhythm” (a life-threatening arrhythmia).

The function of a defibrillator is to deliver a “shock” to the heart to force it to contract effectively. The idea of shock is the same as with a “manual defibrillator”, the work of which many have seen on television, for example, when an ambulance crew performs resuscitation measures. Since the wires are connected directly to the heart, the shock is much less powerful. Thanks to this, the “electric shock” with a cardioverter-defibrillator is not so painful.

Installing a CS does not always solve the arrhythmia problem one hundred percent. It is quite common to take medication after having a pacemaker installed to help the heart pump more efficiently. It is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's instructions, and also keep records of the medications used (time of administration, their doses).

Useful video

To learn how a pacemaker interacts with the heart, watch this video:

Risks associated with the operation

In addition to the general risks that any surgical intervention and anesthesia carry, there are problems associated specifically with the operation of implanting a CS. Statistics show that 5% of patients experience complications after having a pacemaker that they should be aware of. These include:

nerve damage in the area of tissue dissection;
pneumothorax (lung collapse);
bruising at the site of the CS (a common side effect of surgery, its severity depends on the amount of accumulated blood);
damage to tissue or blood vessels near the heart;
a faulty pacemaker that does not work properly after surgery (very rare);
a defect in the wire through which the electrical signal travels from the pacemaker to the heart (also observed very rarely);
wire rupture, which can occur after surgery due to improper placement;
infection of a postoperative wound.

Recovery after surgery

Rehabilitation after installation of a pacemaker usually lasts from a week to a month. Below are some tips on how to behave during the recovery period. You should find out more detailed information from your doctor. Only he can tell you in detail about the necessary lifestyle adjustments depending on the specific situation. What you should pay attention to:

You should try to avoid lifting heavy objects and excessive physical activity. This will allow the postoperative wound to heal faster and the pacemaker to “fix.”
Eliminate pressure after installing the pacemaker on the area where it is placed in the tissue.
Tell your doctor if there is swelling, redness, or discharge from your surgical wound.
Contact your doctor if your low-grade fever does not disappear within 2 days.

One of the complications of pacemaker implantation that can occur in the long term is swelling of the left upper limb.

Wires from the device to the heart first enter a vein that runs upward along the chest wall. Through it they enter the vein through which blood flows from the upper limb. The wires then penetrate the superior hollow and the heart. They are quite thick, which can cause inflammation of the veins and their narrowing - this leads to congestion in the arm and its swelling.

When your arm hurts after installing a pacemaker, this may be one of the symptoms of inflammation of the vein. The condition is diagnosed using ultrasound or venography. The last procedure involves the introduction of a contrast agent. If the diagnosis is confirmed, this problem can be resolved with balloon angioplasty. Another option is to move the wires from the damaged vein to another.

To see how quickly the patient gets used to the pacemaker and what sensations he experiences, watch this video:

Life with a pacemaker: on the street and at home, medical procedures

Contrary to popular belief, there are no strict restrictions after installation of a pacemaker associated with household appliances. Even a microwave oven has no effect. However, there are devices that require specific attention and certain precautions.

For a patient who has a pacemaker installed, it makes sense to remind any doctor (dentist, cosmetologist, etc.) about his peculiarity before undergoing medical manipulation.

The above recommendations are not so burdensome. Completing them is not such a difficult task. You just need to be careful. This will allow you to quickly return to your normal life after installing a pacemaker and avoid serious problems.

Physical activity and sports

Having a pacemaker does not mean that exercise is contraindicated. There are certain rules of behavior in conditions of active physical activity:

Avoid excessive stress on the muscular system of the upper half of the body. During the first month it is necessary to minimize motor activity in the hand on the implantation side.
Avoid pressure and impacts in the area where the CS is installed. Practicing various types of martial arts (karate, boxing, judo) and weightlifting must be completely limited. You should also not engage in rifle shooting.
Team sports, for example, basketball, volleyball, hockey, are limited to the red line. On the one hand, with them the amplitude of hand movement is maximum, which can lead to detachment of the electrodes; on the other hand, the danger of serious trauma to the implantation area cannot be ruled out.
Hiking, fitness, swimming, dancing - best options for people with pacemakers.

Regular checkups

Monitoring visits to the doctor are an integral part of the treatment process. Even if the patient feels well, he should not neglect the prescribed examination, during which the doctor:

using special programs will check the performance of the CS;
check the battery charge;
if necessary, he will make adjustments to its settings.

The inspection usually takes no more than 20 minutes.

Battery replacement is usually performed under local anesthesia. Sometimes it is necessary to change the electrodes or completely replace the pacemaker. In this case, general anesthesia may be required.

When is the right time to contact your doctor?

The following situations are a reason to consult a doctor earlier than the scheduled time for regular examinations:

if your heart rate is below the minimum set on your device;
when swelling, redness or discharge appears in the area where the CS is installed;
questions have arisen related to the operation of the pacemaker or taking medications;
any unusual, previously unoccurring change in health status (for example, new symptoms).

But there may be other reasons. Usually, upon discharge, the doctor describes situations when it is necessary to urgently contact him.

A pacemaker is placed to prevent or correct a problem, not create one. If you constantly follow certain precautions that are not so burdensome, and follow the instructions of your doctor, then problems will not arise. This allows you to lead a normal lifestyle, devoid of any practical restrictions.

One study found that in people over 65 years of age with coronary heart disease. After installation of a pacemaker: contraindications. An attack of atrial fibrillation: how to relieve it at home.

Purposes of pacemaker installation. Pacemakers are divided into temporary and permanent. . That is, the wires (electrodes) coming from the pacemaker are placed intravenously.

Rules for life after installation of a pacemaker. What does atrial fibrillation look like on an ECG?

After installation of a pacemaker, patients lead a normal active life. . Sinus bradycardia may be a harmless rhythm disorder and not cause any complaints.

installation of a pacemaker (pacemaker). . Electrophysiological methods: installation of conventional pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization method. What medications will help you recover after a heart attack?

We will publish information soon.

Heart pacemaker. Contraindications based on age and health status

Pathologies in the heart muscle require serious surgical intervention. One of the ways to maintain its activity is to install a pacemaker. Such operations allow people to lead a normal life even with heart problems.

The essence of installing a pacemaker

A pacemaker is an electrical device that is implanted in the body. Its purpose is to generate electrical impulses and ensure contractions of the heart muscle.

The device consists of a pulse generator and electrodes acting as conductors. The pacemaker is powered by a battery.

For certain cardiovascular conditions, a pacemaker may be installed. Contraindications (including age) - the first thing you need to know before installing the device

The device is installed through a small incision made in the collarbone area. The wires are brought to the heart through a vein. The procedure takes place under local anesthesia. Its duration is two hours.

The pacemaker works until the heart muscle begins to contract on its own. Then the device turns off and begins to function when the need arises.

Indications for installing a pacemaker

A device that supports the functioning of the heart is indispensable in case of arrhythmia if the heart rate remains at a sufficiently low level. With rare contractions of the heart muscle, the threat of acute heart failure remains. A sharp deterioration in the condition can occur at any time and lead to cardiac arrest.

The absolute indications for installing a pacemaker are:

pulse less than 40 beats per minute during physical activity;
bradycardia, which manifests itself in the form of dizziness and fainting;
AV block with severe symptoms;
sick sinus syndrome;
transverse heart block.

If absolute indications are confirmed, the operation is performed urgently or planned.

Relative readings do not require urgent installation of the device. These include the following signs:

Second or third degree AV block without symptoms;
loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest.

Are there any contraindications, including for age?

The operation to install the device is performed on children, adolescents, adults and the elderly.

Note! Complications after surgery appear in the presence of purulent inflammation. It occurs several days after the intervention in patients of any age. In case of repeated intervention, the risk of purulent inflammation increases.

If the body rejects a heart pacemaker, then this becomes a serious contraindication at any age.

What not to do if you have a pacemaker

The functioning of the device is affected by physical activity and the effect of electromagnetic waves. A specialist should be notified of the presence of this device before performing any examination.

The following restrictions apply after surgery:

undergoing examination using MRI equipment;
intense physical activity;
being in close proximity to electrical substations;
wearing a cell phone or magnet close to the heart;
finding a long period near metal detectors;
carrying out shock wave procedures (device setup required).

After installing a heart pacemaker, even if there are no age-related contraindications, a number of restrictions must be observed during the week:

refuse a hot bath or shower (only after 5 days, if there are no complications);
treat the intervention site according to the recommendations of a specialist;
It is prohibited to lift heavy objects (more than 5 kg).

Light physical activity is allowed for up to one month after installation of the device. These can be walks, the duration of which the patient sets independently. If no deviations are found in the operation of the stimulator within 6 months, then sports (swimming, tennis) are allowed.

Note! The only precaution is to maintain a distance of cm from electrical equipment.

You should also avoid interaction with live wires and welding machines.

There are no other restrictions after installation of the device. In everyday life it is allowed to use household equipment and a computer. You are allowed to use your mobile phone freely.

What is the life expectancy with a pacemaker?

Patients with pacemakers live longer on average than people without the device. The presence of the device reduces the likelihood of developing coronary disease and other problems in the functioning of the heart muscle. This way, a person is more protected from the risk of heart problems that usually accompanies the aging process.

It is important to know! Even if a heart pacemaker was installed and there were no age-related contraindications, there is a possibility that the device will not take root. Then you will need reoperation. However, such cases are observed quite rarely.

If the established rules are followed, the patient can live for several decades. The device will need to be replaced after 8 years. During this period, improved versions of the device appear. If used intensively, the device will require replacement after 4 years.

Installation of a heart pacemaker has no contraindications based on age. This device ensures proper functioning of the heart muscle. If you have this device, it is important to follow the rules that will ensure its smooth functioning.

What a heart pacemaker is and what age-related contraindications there are for installing this device - you will learn from this video:

Also watch a video about indications for installing a pacemaker:

2 COMMENTS

It’s absolutely true about the restrictions after installing a pacemaker. How many such cases have there been when people with this device could not withstand the changes if they went through control at the airport, or an MRI, etc.

Is it possible to undergo ultrasonic teeth cleaning? ECS delivered 10/31/2017

Heart pacemaker: types, principle of operation and contraindications

If you have been diagnosed with heart problems that could be fatal, do not despair. Modern medicine today can offer you the opportunity to install an assistant to restore normal cardiac activity.

Qualified cardiologists will tell you how to behave correctly after surgery. In the article you will learn all the intricacies of choosing and installing a device, as well as side effects and how to eliminate them.

What is a heart pacemaker

Unfortunately, over time, a person does not become younger. Every year various diseases appear and appear after a certain period of time. With each passing year, each person begins to notice the appearance of one or another complaint: a stomach ache, a pain in the knee, a sore back.

But the most common thing that causes anxiety in the patient is probably the appearance of pain in the heart, or the feeling of its normal functioning. At the same time, sometimes no special research methods are required. People themselves note these disturbances and characterize them as “interruptions in the heart,” perhaps this is where the expression “heart is acting up” came from.

Currently, thanks to the development of medicine, it has become possible to study the mechanisms of these disorders and appropriate treatment. One of the options for correcting these disorders and the possibility of restoring lost function is the installation of an electrical pacemaker (pacemaker).

The modern device is a complex device in a sealed housing made of a special inert medical titanium alloy with small dimensions. The case itself contains a battery and a microprocessor unit.

Modern stimulators are guided by the heart’s own electrical activity; when contractions slow down, are disrupted, or a pause occurs, within a programmed time, the stimulator begins to generate an electrical discharge to stimulate myocardial contractions.

And if there is a normal rhythm of impulses, the pacemaker does not generate these impulses. These are so-called “on-demand” stimulants. Currently, there are several types of pacemakers. There are single-chamber, two-chamber, three-chamber.

A pacemaker is a small device, about the size of a half dollar, placed under the skin near your heart to help control your heartbeat. The pacemaker is introduced as part of what is often referred to as "cardiac resynchronization therapy."

People may need a pacemaker for a number of reasons - mainly one group of conditions called arrhythmia, in which the heart's rhythm is abnormal.

Normal aging of the heart can disrupt your heartbeat, causing it to beat too slowly.
Injury to the heart muscle resulting from heart attack, is another common cause of irregular heartbeat.
Some medications may also affect your heart rate.
For some, hereditary diseases- the cause of irregular heart rhythm.

Regardless of the root cause of the irregular heart rhythm, a pacemaker will help you fix it.

Types of pacemakers

Today, there are such types of pacemakers as single-chamber, two-chamber and three-chamber.

Single-chamber pacemakers appeared first, initially pacing at a given frequency, but models soon appeared that sense the heart's own activity and operate as needed. A single-chamber pacemaker is equipped with one electrode installed in one chamber of the heart (ventricle).

The next generation pacemaker is a dual-chamber pacemaker. The peculiarity of this model is the presence of two electrodes, which ensures synchronous contraction of the ventricles and atria and, as a result, stimulation becomes physiological, significantly increasing the patient’s functional capabilities.

The electrodes of a dual-chamber pacemaker are installed in the ventricle and atrium. An example of such effective devices can be Medtronic pacemakers, and these are the models that the Cardiodom clinic uses.

The Medtronic pacemaker is a reliable device that can provide the highest quality of life to the patient for many years. The latest developments of pacemakers operating in a dual-chamber mode are capable of detecting the presence of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in a patient and automatically switching to another, safe (single-chamber) stimulation mode - the so-called “switch mode”.

Thus, the possibility of maintaining supraventricular tachycardia is excluded.

These EX models are among the most modern and high-tech. Unlike a two-chamber pacemaker, there are already three electrodes that stimulate contractions of the three parts of the heart in a certain sequence.

A pacemaker or cardioverter-defibrillator of this type can be placed in a patient with the most dangerous form arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation) or for the prevention of sudden cardiac death.

Thus, today there are different types of pacemakers, which allows you to choose the best option in each specific case. By installing a pacemaker with appropriate characteristics, we can confidently say that the quality and life expectancy of the patient will increase significantly. You can read more detailed information in the section “Main types of pacemakers.”

Electrodes for pacemaker

Electrodes used in ECS are of two types - models with active and models with passive fixation. Active fixation involves attaching an electrode inside the heart using a special attachment that resembles a bottle opener. Passive fixation is carried out using special antennae at the end of the electrode.

Indications for surgery to install a pacemaker are the following conditions:

bradycardia with clinical manifestations (pulse less than 40 beats/min);
bradycardia accompanied by Morgagni-Adam-Stokes syndrome (MAS);
severe disturbances of myocardial contractile function during physical activity;
a combination of increased and decreased heart contractions;
insufficient increase in heart rate under load and sufficient contraction of the myocardium at rest (chronotropic competence);
carotid sinus syndrome;
atrial fibrillation (pacemakers are indicated for atrial fibrillation);
A-B blockade 2-3 degrees;
incomplete blockade;
sick sinus syndrome (SSNS).

A pacemaker can be installed permanently, but a temporary pacemaker can also be used. The indications for the use of this device are varied, for example, an external pacemaker can be installed for diagnostic or preventive purposes, as well as in preparation for surgery to install a permanent pacemaker.

In addition, the use of a temporary pacemaker is advisable in cases where it is necessary to correct any condition - paroxysmal tachyaarthymia, bradycardia due to CVS or acute infarction.

An external pacemaker consists of oversized electrodes placed on the heart area on the anterior surface of the chest and between the left shoulder blade and the spine in the projection of the heart.

For those who need a pacemaker, there are practically no contraindications; the only contraindication to installing a pacemaker may be the unreasonableness of the operation. Studies have shown that the longer the arrhythmia lasts, the more difficult it is to restore normal sinus rhythm of the heart.

The use of a pacemaker for arrhythmia guarantees constant maintenance of such a rhythm - new generation devices recognize paroxysms and instantly stop them, preventing disorders from developing. Thus, a pacemaker for arrhythmia can be confidently called the most effective remedy.

Preparation and tests before surgery

The need for cardiac surgery can be emergency, when the patient’s life is impossible without an operation to install a pacemaker, or planned, when his heart can work independently for several months even with rhythm disturbances.

In the latter case, the operation is carried out as planned, and before performing it it is advisable to carry out full examination patient.

The list of required tests may vary in different clinics. Basically the following must be done:

ECG, including daily monitoring of ECG and blood pressure according to Holter, which allows you to register even very rare but significant rhythm disturbances over a period of one to three days,
EchoCG (ultrasound of the heart),
Blood test for thyroid hormones,
Examination by a cardiologist or arrhythmologist,
Clinical blood tests - general, biochemical, blood clotting tests,
Blood test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B and C,
General urine test, stool test for worm eggs,
FGDS to exclude gastric ulcer - if it is present, treatment by a gastroenterologist or therapist is mandatory, since after surgery, medications are prescribed that thin the blood, but have a destructive effect on the gastric mucosa, which can lead to gastric bleeding,
Consultation with an ENT doctor and a dentist (to exclude foci of chronic infection that can have a negative effect on the heart; if detected, foci should be promptly sanitized and treated),
Consultations with specialized specialists if there are chronic diseases (neurologist, endocrinologist, nephrologist, etc.),
In some cases, an MRI of the brain may be needed if the patient has had a stroke.

How to place a pacemaker

Now let's talk about how a pacemaker is placed. If you watch a video of how a pacemaker is installed, you will notice that a cardiac surgeon performs it under X-ray control, and total time The procedure varies depending on the type of implanted device:

a single-chamber pacemaker will require half an hour;
for a two-chamber pacemaker – 1 hour;
A three-chamber pacemaker requires 2.5 hours to install.

Typically, surgery to install a pacemaker occurs under local anesthesia.

The operation to implant an pacemaker consists of the following steps:

Preparing for surgery. This includes debridement of the surgical site and local anesthesia. An anesthetic drug (novocaine, trimecaine, lidocaine) is injected into the skin and underlying tissues.
Installation of electrodes. The surgeon makes a small incision in the subclavian region. Next, the electrodes under X-ray control are inserted sequentially through the subclavian vein into the desired cardiac chamber.
Implantation of the pacemaker housing. The device body is implanted under the collarbone, and it can be installed subcutaneously or deepened under the pectoral muscle.

In our country, the device is more often implanted in right-handed people on the left, and in left-handed people on the right, which makes it easier for them to use the device.

The electrodes are connected to the already implanted device.

Device programming. It is produced individually to suit the patient’s needs, taking into account the clinical situation and the capabilities of the device (which also determine the cost of the pacemaker). In modern devices, the doctor can set the basic heart rate, both for the state of physical activity and for rest.

Essentially, this is all the basic information about how a pacemaker is installed.

The operation to install a pacemaker can last from forty minutes to three and a half hours, depending on the type of device. IN general view any of the stimulators consists of an electronic circuit - a pulse generator and conductor electrodes.

The power source for the device is a battery, designed for an average of 7-8 years of continuous operation. To avoid rejection of the foreign body by the body, the circuit is placed in a titanium case.

The invasive intervention is performed by a cardiac surgeon under the control of X-ray equipment. The presence of an anesthesiologist is also mandatory, despite the fact that in most cases local anesthesia is used.

Direct implantation includes the following steps:

tissue incision in the collarbone area;
sequential insertion of electrodes through the subclavian vein into the corresponding parts of the heart;
placing the stimulator body in the prepared bed;
connecting electrodes to the body;
individual setting of the device operating mode.

In order not to create discomfort in the patient’s daily life, modern devices are programmed in the “on demand” mode.

This means that the device delivers impulses until the heart begins to contract on its own in the desired rhythm, after which the device turns off - the next time it turns on when the organ stops sending a signal in a timely manner.

Complications after pacemaker installation

It is worth knowing that complications after installing a pacemaker occur in no more than 3-5% of cases, so you should not be afraid of this operation.

Early postoperative complications:

leakage pleural cavity(pneumothorax);
thromboembolism;
bleeding;
violation of insulation, displacement, fracture of the electrode;
infection of the surgical wound area.

EX syndrome - shortness of breath, dizziness, decreased blood pressure, episodic loss of consciousness;
pacemaker-induced tachycardia;
premature failures in the ECS.

Surgery to insert a pacemaker should be performed by an experienced surgeon under X-ray guidance, which avoids most of the complications that arise at an early stage. And in the future, the patient must undergo regular examinations and be registered with a dispensary.

If there are complaints about deterioration in health, the patient should immediately consult with the attending physician.

Operating principle of the device and indications for implantation

A pacemaker is a small electrical device that, once implanted in the body, is designed to artificially create electrical impulses and ensure regular heartbeats. In essence, this device is a customizable pacemaker, which, in the process of its operation, “imposes” the correct beat on the heart.

Installing a pacemaker is a rather serious and responsible step that requires good reasons. The process itself is invasive. The unjustification of implantation is the only contraindication to its implementation.

The decision to operate is made strictly individually, depending on the clinical picture of the underlying disease, concomitant diagnoses, age, gender, and lifestyle of the patient. However, there are a number of diagnoses, the formulation of which is absolute indication to implantation of a pacemaker.

These include:

bradycardia with severe symptoms - a decrease in heart rate to less than 50 beats per minute;
complete heart block - discrepancy between the rhythms of the atria and ventricles;
severe heart failure;
some forms of cardiomyopathies, in which the resulting structural changes significantly affect the contractile activity of the heart.

Artificial pacemakers can be:

single-chamber, regulating the functioning of only one part of the heart - the atrium or ventricle;
two-chamber, perceiving and stimulating simultaneously two chambers of the organ;
three-chamber, having a special device for the treatment of heart failure.

The development of science and technology has divided all pacemakers into frequency-adaptive ones, which automatically increase the frequency of generated impulses with increasing physical activity, and non-frequency pacemakers, which work in accordance with specified indicators.

Requirements modern life forced to equip each of the devices, especially imported ones, with many additional parameters and functions that allow the device to be maximally adapted to each patient.

Key Dangers of Stimulant Use

A modern pacemaker is not just a heart simulator, it is a high-tech device that allows for multi-stage safety for the patient. The developers provide protection from interference, such as external electromagnetic or mechanical influence, protection from tachysystolic rhythm disturbances, etc.

Even in cases where the pacemaker battery cannot be replaced, which could cause death, key vital functions are identified and maintained in emergency mode. Programming is carried out in the proximity of a special programmer head and the device, which eliminates failures, reconfiguration or accidental interference with the operation of the device.

The main danger that interests patients is the failure of the pacemaker and, as a result, instant death. However, despite this possibility, the probability of failure is negligible. More precisely, a few hundredths of a percent.

Another thing is that the presence of an electronic device, albeit a high-tech one, requires a special attitude towards it, towards your rhythm of life and living conditions, and special attention during pregnancy. One more dangerous consequence The use of a cardiac stimulator may cause pacemaker syndrome.

Then implantation leads to the emergence of a number of reasons that cause dizziness, nagging pain in the chest area, malaise, or even pain in the jaws.

The operation of the stimulator changes the ECG picture. Artificial impulses lead to the fact that the ECG cannot reflect the real and objective situation and condition of the patient’s heart. In this regard, there are risks of untimely detection of such dangerous disease, like coronary heart disease.

A patient can receive a disability group due to a pacemaker, but the decision to assign a specific group is made collectively and requires a thorough analysis of the loss of performance. Modern pacemakers allow patients to feel good during pregnancy.

Pregnancy occurs in normal mode, the only thing is delivery by caesarean section, and special attention to the use of electrical instruments and devices. Pregnancy will be under the supervision of a physician who will rule out dangerous or harmful factors that could lead to serious consequences.

Basic laws of life with a pacemaker

Implantation of a pacemaker conventionally divides the patient’s life into “before” and “after”. The new rules after surgery include a number of requirements and restrictions, compliance with which should become the daily norm. Reviews from people who have been living with a pacemaker for several years generally indicate an increase in the quality of life after its installation.

Strict adherence to the instructions will allow you to avoid complications, side effects, and painlessly and quickly adapt to new living conditions. Life with a pacemaker is divided into three stages, each of which has its own requirements:

1. First week after surgery

During this period the patient is in the hospital. Under the close supervision of the attending physician and medical personnel, the sutures heal.

It is important to keep the surgical wound clean and dry. The cardiologist takes regular measurements of heart rate.

In the absence of negative factors, on the fifth day after implantation it is already possible to take a light shower, and a week later the patient is discharged from the medical institution.

2. The first three months with the device

A person with a pacemaker is placed on a dispensary register. The first scheduled examination is carried out after three months. However, you should immediately consult a doctor if the patient feels unwell, dizziness, tachycardia, swelling or pain in the area where the device is installed, unreasonable attacks of hiccups occur, or any sound signals from the device are heard.

During this period, it is recommended to listen especially carefully to your body. The mode of life and work should be as gentle as possible. Lifting loads heavier than five kilograms is prohibited. Even light work should be done with the hand opposite the pacemaker area.

3. The remaining period before replacing batteries

Six months later, a follow-up examination of the patient is scheduled again; from this point on, the frequency of visits to the cardiologist is normally once every six months. Skipping scheduled procedures is prohibited. Even if the date of the examination coincides with the period of the business trip, you must find out in advance about the possibility of undergoing a scheduled consultation at local clinics.

If there are no warning factors, your doctor may gradually lift some restrictions. However, among them there are those that are permanent, regardless of the time after implantation of the pacemaker and the patient’s well-being.

Care after installation

Before leaving the hospital, the pacemaker will be programmed according to your pacing needs. When you return home, follow these steps to ensure a normal recovery:

Ask your doctor when it is safe to shower, swim, or expose the surgical site to water;
Once you feel normal, you can return to your daily activities. This may take about two weeks;
Avoid for 4-6 weeks physical activity, especially those related to the upper body;
Avoid excessive arm/shoulder movement on the pacemaker side for two weeks. This will help prevent the wires from moving;
Do not drive for one week after surgery;
The stitches will be removed within one week;
Procedures to avoid after pacemaker insertion:
- Heat therapy (often used in physical therapy);
- High-voltage or radar technology (for example, electric arc welding, high-voltage wires, radar installations or smelting furnaces);
- Radio and television transmitters;
Do not carry your mobile phone in your pocket directly above the device. In addition, headphones and MP3 players near the pacemaker may cause interference;
Turn off your car or boat engine when working around it. (They can confuse the device);
Tell your doctor and dentist that you have a pacemaker;
Consult a physician regarding the safety of passing through airport security detectors with your device;
Be sure to follow your doctor's directions.

A hard ridge may form on the skin along the incision, which usually resolves as the wound heals.

Implant replacement

Pacemaker replacement may be indicated as follows: emergency indications(suppuration of the pacemaker bed, critical charge or breakdown of the installed device), and in a planned manner - if the test of the pacemaker reveals that the battery is depleted.

It is worth noting that pacemaker replacement is always performed under local anesthesia, even if the installation was carried out under general anesthesia. The operation to replace a pacemaker takes a minimum amount of time, and after it the patient recovers as quickly as possible.

When a pacemaker is replaced, the operation is often also the least expensive. How much does it cost to install a pacemaker? How much will a pacemaker cost for atrial fibrillation, and how to choose the right model? You will find answers to these and other questions about pacemaker implantation below.

For those who need to install a pacemaker, cost plays a significant role. Of course, it is optimal to install the best pacemaker at an affordable price, and this option is quite possible. Where is a pacemaker installed inexpensively and with high quality? Of course, at the CardioDom clinic! What factors shape the total cost?

Installing a pacemaker in Moscow may not cost much at all - it depends, first of all, on what kind of pacemaker you plan to buy, as well as on the pricing policy of the clinic where the preparation for the operation, the operation itself, and the rehabilitation period will take place.

The Cardiodom Clinic offers to buy a pacemaker at the best price, and you can also count on the highest quality of medical care!

Depending on which generation of pacemaker you choose, the price may vary significantly. So, there are models of several categories:

In this case, implantation of a pacemaker will be quite expensive, but we are talking about the best pacemakers that exist today.

These are imported models, the quality of workmanship is the best, many devices are characterized by the presence of a second sensor, a wide range of settings, the presence of a sleep mode, Holter monitoring, etc.

Thus, implantation of a pacemaker of this category is to ensure quality of life and health due to High Quality device. At the same time, it is worth remembering that by purchasing a pacemaker of this category, you get increased energy consumption of the device and, as a result, a shorter service life.

In addition, regardless of whether you are going to install a pacemaker in Moscow or in another city, its price will always be high.

Buying pacemakers in this category is the best option in terms of cost and quality of the devices.

In this case, installing a pacemaker in Moscow will be much cheaper, although, of course, models in this category are somewhat inferior to models of the first category in terms of functionality, but are not inferior in reliability!

category. Outdated models. They are quite reliable, but they are inferior to models of the first two categories in functionality, appearance, and ease of use. The main advantage of this category is the minimum price.

Life after pacemaker implantation

Although pacemakers are equipped with protection against interference from other electrical devices, strong electric fields should still be avoided. The use of almost all household appliances is allowed: TV, radio, refrigerator, tape recorder, microwave oven, computer, electric razor, hair dryer, washing machine.

To avoid interference, you should not approach the pacemaker implantation site closer than 10 cm to an electrical appliance, lean against the front wall of the microwave (and generally avoid it) or the screen of a working TV. You should stay away from welding equipment, electric steelmaking furnaces, and high-voltage power lines.

It is not advisable to go through control turnstiles in shops, airports, and museums. In this case, upon discharge from the hospital, the patient is given a device passport and an owner’s card, which must be presented during the search, after which it can be replaced by a personal search.

The KS is also not afraid of most office equipment. It is advisable to develop the habit of grasping appliance plugs and other voltage sources with the hand further away from the pacemaker.

Long conversations on it are undesirable, and you need to hold the receiver 30 cm or more from the CS. When talking, hold the tube to the ear on the opposite side of the implantation site. Do not carry the handset in your breast pocket or around your neck.

It is prohibited to engage in contact and traumatic sports, that is, team sports, martial arts, since any blow to the abdominal cavity or chest can damage the device. For the same reason, shooting with a gun is not recommended.

With a pacemaker, you can return to walking, swimming and such physical exercises that allow constant monitoring of your well-being and allow you to follow safety rules.

The area of the body where the pacemaker was implanted should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It should be kept covered with some kind of cloth at all times. Also, don't swim in cold water. It is especially important for car enthusiasts to remember that they should not touch live wires while repairing a car or replacing a battery.

Validity period and how long they last with the device

On average, the lifespan of a pacemaker is determined by the capacity of the battery, designed for 7-10 years of operation. When the battery life is approaching, the device will give a signal during the next scheduled examination.

After this, you should replace the battery with a new one. Therefore, the question of how long people can live with a pacemaker also depends on the regularity of visiting the doctor. There is an opinion that, being a foreign body, the CS can harm a person. This is not at all true, despite the fact that often there is no alternative to installing it.

In order to continue a fully fulfilling life, you have to put up with only minor restrictions that are worth it. In addition, it can be installed completely free of charge.

You can often hear the question of how long people can live with a pacemaker, especially from those for whom such surgery is recommended. Medical practice shows that people with an implanted pacemaker, provided they follow all the doctor’s recommendations, live no less than other people. In other words, having a pacemaker can only prolong life, not make it shorter.

Sports activities with an artificial pacemaker

There is a misconception that sports and life with a pacemaker are incompatible concepts. This is not entirely true. There are a number of sports activities and physical exercises that, six months after installation of the device, are not only not contraindicated, but are also extremely beneficial for the cardiovascular system, namely:

measured swimming without diving,
hiking and race walking,
gymnastics and yoga,
golf,
tennis.

The main rule in training should be moderation - you cannot overexert yourself and do something through force. Diving, rifle and shotgun shooting, powerlifting, and all other activities are prohibited. contact types sports, during which the patient may receive a blow to the area of the installed pacemaker.

The number of workouts, their duration and feasibility should be agreed with the treating cardiologist.

What to watch out for at home

A pacemaker is a device that responds extremely sensitively to changes in the surrounding magnetic field. This circumstance must be taken into account in life “after” implantation. Reviews indicate that among the electrical appliances that surround a person in everyday life, the most dangerous are a microwave oven, a TV, and a power tool (hammer, drill, jigsaw).

It is not recommended to approach these devices while they are running. As for the mobile phone, it also belongs to the risk group. Completely abandon this “good” in modern world It's unlikely to succeed. But you will have to minimize its use, as well as carry it not in your pocket, but in a bag or purse.

A heart pacemaker is an absolute excuse to avoid a metal detector test. However, in order to avoid awkward situations, you should have with you the passport of the owner of the pacemaker, which is issued upon discharge from the hospital.

Caution should also be exercised when undergoing medical examinations for concomitant diagnoses. Some types of tests are prohibited for people with a pacemaker. Despite the fact that the fact of implantation is usually indicated in medical card patient, it should be reminded of him when visiting any doctor.

In addition, the installation of the implant should be reported to all those who most often surround the patient, be it relatives or labor collective. This will make it possible to react promptly and correctly in the event of emergency situations in the work of the pacemaker.

Despite the many positive reviews about living with a pacemaker, it should be remembered that an artificial pacemaker is by no means a new heart or a cure for disease. This is just an opportunity to live, observing the safety rules.

Lifestyle after surgery

Further lifestyle with a pacemaker can be characterized by the following components:

Visiting a cardiac surgeon once every three months during the first year, once every six months in the second year and once a year thereafter,
Counting your pulse, measuring blood pressure and assessing your well-being at rest and during exercise, recording the data obtained in your own diary,
Contraindications after pacemaker installation include alcohol abuse, prolonged and exhausting physical activity, non-compliance with work and rest schedules,
Exercise of the lungs is not prohibited physical exercise, since it is not only possible, but also necessary to train the heart muscle through exercises, if the patient does not have severe heart failure,
The presence of an pacemaker is not a contraindication for pregnancy, but the patient must be monitored by a cardiac surgeon throughout the pregnancy, and delivery must be carried out by cesarean section as planned,
The working capacity of patients is determined taking into account the nature of the work performed, the presence of concomitant ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, and the issue of loss of ability to work is decided collectively with the involvement of a cardiac surgeon, cardiologist, arrhythmologist, neurologist and other specialists,
A patient with an pacemaker may be assigned a disability group if the working conditions are determined by a clinical expert commission to be severe or that could cause harm to the stimulator (for example, working with electric welding or electric steel-smelting machines, other sources of electromagnetic radiation).

In addition to general recommendations, the patient should always have a pacemaker passport (card) with him, and from the moment of surgery it is one of the patient’s main documents, because in case of emergency care, the doctor must be aware of the type of pacemaker and the reason why it was installed.

Despite the fact that the stimulator is equipped with a built-in system of protection against electromagnetic radiation, which interferes with its electrical activity, the patient is recommended to stay at least cm away from radiation sources - a TV, cell phone, hair dryer, electric razor and other electrical appliances. It is better to talk on the phone using the hand on the opposite side to the stimulator.

MRI is also strictly contraindicated for persons with pacemaker, since such a strong magnetic field can damage the stimulator microcircuit. MRI can be replaced if necessary computed tomography or radiography (there is no source of magnetic radiation). For the same reason, physiotherapeutic treatment methods are strictly prohibited.

The management of the airport in Ulan-Ude showed journalists a video of the last minutes of the life of a girl who died there immediately after passing through a metal detector. The footage shows that the girl showed the airport employee a certificate about the presence of a pacemaker after passing through a metal detector. However, the management of the Baikal airport denies the involvement of the metal detector in the failure of the pacemaker implanted in the girl several years ago. The first deputy stated this at a press conference general director LLC "Airport "Baikal" Evgeniy Sivtsov, reported from the scene corr. IA UlanMedia.

The video, which is not yet available to the general public because it is evidence, shows that a woman with her husband, child and another girl entered the airport terminal building. Later it became known that the woman with her husband and child were going to move to St. Petersburg for permanent residence.

First, the girl accompanying the family passed through the metal detector gate, then the deceased’s husband and child. The last girl to pass was the later deceased girl herself. When passing through the gate, a red light came on, but the girl went through anyway, and then showed the certificate to the airport employee.

A little later they all arrived at the inspection point. The video does not clearly show how the girl says goodbye to those seeing her off and then falls. A minute later, a medical worker arrives and the girl is taken to the infirmary. A little later it will become clear that it was not possible to save the young wife and mother.

On August 6, 2014, a criminal investigation began in Ufa into the death of a patient in one of the private centers in Ufa. A 65-year-old man died during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure, ufa1.ru reported at the time.

Vesti.ru, citing Interfax, reported in 2012 that residents of Syktyvkar (Komi), who had pacemakers implanted, contacted the prosecutor's office with complaints about violation of their rights when visiting sites retail. According to the department's press service, the applicants are concerned about the actions of store and pharmacy employees who refuse to turn off the magnetic frames of the "anti-theft" systems so that people with pacemakers can freely enter the premises.

“Prosecutorial checks indicate that officials and employees of retail trade organizations do not fully have information about the rights of citizens of this category,” the statement says. According to the prosecutor's office, cardiologists have established that the electromagnetic field, even with minimal impact on the pacemaker, can negatively affect its operation (reprogram it to another mode or turn it off). Patients are advised to refrain from using household appliances and not to pass near operating access systems."

Rules of conduct for a patient with a pacemaker have been published on one of the Internet forums. The forum states that any patient with a pacemaker must observe certain restrictions: it is prohibited to be exposed to powerful magnetic and electromagnetic fields, microwave fields, as well as direct exposure to any magnets near the implantation site; Do not be exposed to electric current; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is prohibited; it is prohibited to use most methods of physiotherapy (warming up, magnetic therapy, etc.) and many cosmetic interventions associated with electrical influence (the specific list should be checked with doctors); It is prohibited to conduct an ultrasound examination (ultrasound) with the beam directed at the stimulator body; It is prohibited to strike the chest in the area where the stimulator is implanted, or try to dislodge the device under the skin; It is prohibited to use monopolar electrocoagulation when surgical interventions(including endoscopic), the use of bipolar coagulation should be limited as much as possible, ideally not used at all. And these are not all the rules that people with a pacemaker should follow.

REFERENCE:

Pacemaker - medical device, designed to influence heart rhythm. The main task of a pacemaker is to maintain or force the heart rate in a patient whose heart is not beating fast enough (bradycardia) or if there is electrophysiological disconnection between the atria and ventricles (atrioventricular block).

The reason for writing this article was a note that I read on the Internet. It reported an increase in traumatic incidents and explosions of coffins in Swedish morgues and crematoria. According to Stockholm newspapers, recently explosions have been recorded almost daily in both ovens and refrigerators. This is due to the fact that the Swedish authorities, based on the experience of Germany, Italy, Austria, and England, decided to suspend burials in many cemeteries, simultaneously sharply increase the cost of burial in the ground, and universally introduce cremation as the most environmentally friendly type of burial, allowing to save vast amounts of land.
The Swedes, against their will, were forced to change the type of burial. But old habits, prejudices, traditions and customs remained. It has always been customary among the Scandinavians to put a variety of objects in the coffin - from an ax, a knife, a screwdriver to a bottle of rum, a pistol, a radio, and now a mobile phone. Nowadays, people often call the phone number that is left next to the ear of the buried person. A lot has been written about calls to the next world; this practice has spread not only in Sweden, but also in other European countries and in America. At first glance, a harmless tradition in cases of burial in the ground has turned into a real disaster in crematoria, where electronic devices buried with the deceased are increasingly exploding. The most common cause of explosions is silicone implants. And, if the latter do not pose a great threat to the cremation furnace and the environment, then explosions of cardiac implants, cartridges, and fireworks can lead to undesirable consequences.
But first things first. I work in a service for receiving orders for cremation, and I have more than once had to deal with these unpleasant emergencies, which, unfortunately, are now increasingly beginning to occur in Russian crematoria.

ECOLOGICAL HAZARDS OF IMPLANTS
Pacemakers and other neurostimulators are known to contain lithium batteries, which can explode during cremation and seriously damage the cremation oven. Usually the lining - the internal lining of the fireclay furnace - is damaged.
If the neurostimulator operates on the basis of a weakened radioactive element, then a slight release of isotopes into the atmosphere is possible. Of course, such minimal impacts on the environment around the crematorium cannot in any serious way affect the general background and the level of maximum permissible concentration (MPC). Numerous studies and systematic measurements of the atmosphere and gas emissions from crematorium pipes in Europe, the USA, and Russia show that the level of maximum permissible concentrations of harmful substances remains practically unchanged during the operation of the furnaces and during their shutdown. The results of such studies can be found, in particular, on the official website of the UK Medical Devices Agency, which is responsible for the safety of implants.
However, in order to avoid even minor undesirable effects on the environment and destructive effects on the oven, at the Novosibirsk crematorium, where I am busy placing orders, each customer confirms in writing that there are no unauthorized attachments in the coffin. This is how it is formulated in registration card cremation: “I confirm that there are no foreign objects in the coffin that are unacceptable for cremation, including a pacemaker, defibrillator, implant with a microprocessor (chip), silicone implants, cell phone, lithium batteries and other batteries; live ammunition, explosives, firecrackers, fireworks, alcohol bottles, glasses, glassware, coins, precious metals. Customer's signature." Unfortunately, the customer’s signature does not always guarantee the faithful implementation of the above rules. And this is surprising. After all, the burial ceremony is always accompanied by grief and sorrow. So why multiply them, exposing the deceased person’s native body to the danger of an explosion? This danger must be eliminated. To do this, it is necessary to take decisive measures and prevent the presence of explosive devices in the body of the deceased.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN REMOVING IMPLANTS
Removing implants requires special skills and care. The defibrillator removal procedure is particularly dangerous. An unprofessional operation can result in electric shock to the person who removes the device, the action of which is based on the use of a high-voltage electrical discharge. Modern pulse generators are capable of accumulating energy for a discharge of up to 35 J (joules). Of course, this discharge is much less than during external defibrillation, when the resuscitator, trying to restore life to a dying person, making sure that no one present comes into contact with the patient, the stretcher, or the equipment, pronounces the command: “Away from the table! Discharge!" The energy of the first discharge in this case is 200J, the second - up to 300J, the third - 360J.
But let's return to the features of the device itself. What is an implanted defibrillator? Implanted defibrillator (or professional language implanted shock defibrillator) is used in patients suffering from life-threatening heart rhythm disorders that can lead to death. This is an electronic device, similar in shape to a pacemaker (slightly larger) that is connected to the heart by one or more wires (electrodes). Typically, defibrillators are installed in the same way as pacemakers, in the area of the collarbone (subclavian region), in rare cases - in the abdominal cavity (in the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the abdomen in the hypochondrium).
A defibrillator works by detecting abnormal electrical signals from the heart using contacts placed inside the heart. When the device detects a malfunction of the heart or its arrest, the corrective therapy mechanism is activated, a high-voltage discharge of electric current is sent to the heart, which restores and stabilizes the heart. After a person's death, the device usually remains active. It must be removed without fail before cremation.
When removing a defibrillator, it is necessary to cut off the wires to the heart, which exposes the device to "airborne" electrical interference and can cause an electric shock. Therefore, before removing the device, it must be turned off. In hospitals, this procedure is usually performed by trained cardiac technicians, according to the device programming instructions. If the body is outside the hospital, it is necessary to seek the help of such specialists.
Unfortunately, there is no universal device that can turn off defibrillators of all models. Therefore, it is important to determine the brand of defibrillator. In this case, you can contact your doctor or relatives who keep the device passport. Device information may also be on the device itself.
In case of an emergency, patients or their relatives are provided with identification cards with complete information about the device and a telephone number for a 24-hour emergency cardiac service. In the absence of a card, the type of defibrillator in a living patient is determined using a chest x-ray. But there are no X-ray machines in morgues or crematoria, and then the extraction has to be done at random.
To access the device, you must make an incision at the location of the device, being careful not to touch the wires going to the heart. If the autopsy reveals not a defibrillator, but a pacemaker, then since the procedure for removing it is less complicated and traumatic, it can be removed without being disconnected.

SUDDEN DEATH FROM HEART STOPLE
Sudden cardiac arrest is the most common cause of death. The mortality rate from sudden cardiac arrest is 50%. People over 60 years of age mostly die from this reason. After 45 years, this probability doubles with every ten years. In a quarter of patients, acute heart failure is the first obvious manifestation of coronary artery disease, although previous myocardial infarction is found in 70% of autopsies. Few people survive sudden cardiac arrest that occurs out of hospital. 80% of them die before reaching the hospital. And half of the survivors die within the next two years from repeated heart attacks.
The introduction of defibrillators into cardiac practice, which detect pathological changes in heart rhythm and interrupt them with electric current, has saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of people on the planet.
Since there is nothing more effective in saving cardiac patients in the world, there is reason to believe that the number of deaths with implants will increase exponentially in the near future. In the United States alone, 4.5 million people have been identified who are indicated for pacemakers to prolong life. The risk of sudden death from cardiac arrest is estimated at 2 per 1000 people annually.
Implants reduce the risk of death by a third. Research by scientists in different countries argue that defibrillators should be implanted in all people with a history of attack and subsequent heart weakness. Therefore, the use of various electronic stimulators is becoming more and more popular nowadays, and therefore the possibility of unwanted explosions during cremation is increasing.

NEW MODELS OF CARDIAC IMPLANTS
Since the implantation of the first artificial pacemaker (1958, Stockholm), pacemakers have undergone significant changes. 47 years ago they consisted of two transistors and were the size of a hockey puck.
The latest models of pacemakers have not only decreased in size. They have three electrodes that are inserted into a certain area of the heart muscle, maintain heart rhythm much more effectively, are able to record heart problems and send reports via cellular communications to a doctor who can make a diagnosis and make a decision on treatment and hospitalization. Of course, such implants contain chips and are microprocessors - devices that are unacceptable for cremation.
Defibrillators have undergone similar changes, which today are capable of recording heart rhythm for 6-8 years, and in case of cardiac arrest, immediately, without the participation of a doctor, start it working again.
The newest models of such implants consist of a small generator installed subpectorally (subpectoralis - under pectoral muscles), and an intravenous guide ending in the right side of the heart. Today, a defibrillator is a complex technical device equipped with a radioproof marker, which allows the patient to use a mobile phone, microwave oven, household electrical, radio and television appliances, the operation of which is accompanied by ionizing and electromagnetic radiation, as well as power tools: drills, hand saws, lawn mowers (subject to grounding).
And although the latest models are becoming much easier in terms of their removal from a dead body, it may happen that a body is brought for cremation with a cardiac device of an outdated model that has worked for several years. Due to inexperience and ignorance of the features of models from previous years, a crematorium worker may be injured during implant removal.

NEW ISSUES IN CREMATION
As practice shows, there cannot be a 100% guarantee that the body of the deceased will arrive with the implant removed. From time to time, even after the customer signs the form, guaranteeing the absence of an implant in the body of the deceased, cardiac machines are still discovered in the furnace room with the help of a metal detector.
Recently, such cases are occurring more and more often. The reasons are simple. Shocked by the loss of a loved one, some customers, of course, without malicious intent, forget about implants. Others often do not suspect that their grandfather or uncle had an implant implanted during his lifetime. I have seen this kind of unintentional “forgetfulness” many times when placing orders for cremation. I want to emphasize that today this has become fundamental new problem during cremation, which, paradoxically as it may sound, is associated with scientific and technological progress, new discoveries in the field of medical technology.
As stated above, implants remain in working order even after the death of the patient. As the generator continues to store energy to discharge electricity, the defibrillator may pose a danger to others. If relatives are in direct contact with a dead body, then they can receive a noticeable shock from a high-voltage discharge, which is not harmless to health. All family members and friends of the deceased must be warned about this.
It is easy to imagine what a relative, and especially a child, can experience when, while stroking the hand of the deceased or during a farewell kiss, he can receive an electric shock. Although this blow is not fatal, it can cause additional psychological breakdown. And, what is even more dangerous in the case of a child, is to form a stable mental association that will accompany him for many years, manifesting itself in the form obsessive fears death, nightmares in which a loved one who died is trying to take him with him to the next world.
Of course, these warnings also apply to funeral service employees, who may also be exposed to electric shocks while handling, dressing, and placing the body in the coffin.
Based on forecasts that in the coming years the number of dead bodies with implants will increase, today it is necessary to widely introduce knowledge of both the implants themselves and the methods of their extraction into the practice of crematoria. For security service personnel In the crematorium, it is necessary to take measures so that not only doctors, electrophysiologists, cardiac technicians, and junior medical personnel, but also embalmers, make-up artists, and makeup artists master the techniques of removing cardiac implants.
Each of the participants in burial by cremation must be deeply aware of this need, understanding their involvement in a modern, high-tech, engineering-biological process, consistently controlled using electronics. Despite the apparent simplicity of the furnace design, cremation differs from burial in the ground in the same way as a stoker differs from nuclear power plant: the functions, at first glance, are homogeneous - heat generation, but in terms of technology - nothing similar. And the safety requirements are completely different. Funeral intermediary firms, accustomed to working in cemeteries, often lack this understanding. Unfortunately, many funeral companies are not ready to work with crematoriums, mistakenly believing that preparing for burial by putting a dead body on fire is no different from a traditional burial. I have to watch how intermediaries, having delivered the body of the deceased to the gates of the crematorium, demand immediate cremation. The crematorium workers patiently explain why this cannot be done without the appropriate documents and the necessary preparation for cremation. One such conflict had to be resolved in court.
Let me give you an example, when in the Novosibirsk regional arbitration court A case was heard to invalidate the decision of the Antimonopoly Committee in the part that addressed issues of compliance by crematorium services with special requirements for coffins in which the body of the deceased is cremated. These requirements require the crematorium staff to take measures to ensure that foreign objects are not present in the coffins along with the bodies of the deceased during their cremation. The court agreed with the arguments of the crematorium management, which acted in accordance with the legislative norm - paragraph 2.4 of the “Procedure for the activities of the State Unitary Enterprise “Novosibirsk Crematorium”. This norm has now been approved by Resolution No. 244 of the head of the administration of the Novosibirsk region dated April 22, 2003 and must be observed by all parties involved in the cremation procedure of the deceased.
In this important post, I have tried to bring together the basic facts on this unexpected cremation safety issue. I hope my summary will be useful and will be useful in the future for everyone involved in cremation services. I wish the readers of the Funeral Home magazine a safe working life.

Elena ARISTOVA, funeral director, Novosibirsk

What are the main reasons why my health may deteriorate?

The most common cause is infectious and colds. Therefore, you should avoid colds, do not hesitate to use a mask during an epidemic, and be sure to get preventive vaccinations. Another reason is physical overload. Despite the fact that dosed exercises are indicated for you, any physical activity should be stopped immediately if you feel tired. The most common example of overload is work at summer cottage. The third reason is irregular use of prescribed medications (especially diuretics) and lack of control over body weight.

Can I smoke?

No. You should make every effort to quit smoking.

Is it possible to drink alcohol?

Moderation is good in everything. The most harmless is drinking red wine (no more than one glass per day). Avoid volume overload (beer). Remember that excessive alcohol intake itself leads to a deterioration in heart function and a worsening of heart failure.

Are there any restrictions for having sex?

There are no formal contraindications. Proper treatment can and should lead to increased sexual activity. When having sex, there are the same restrictions as when doing physical activity. The principle “until fatigue” should apply. The most acceptable poses for you are “from below” and “from the side”. It is preferable to use as a means of contraception mechanical means protection. The use of Viagra, if indicated, is not contraindicated. With the exception of combined use with nitrates.

Is it possible to take baths, go to the sauna, bathhouse?

Visiting saunas and steam baths should be avoided. Sudden changes in temperature and pressure lead to increased stress on the heart, but warm baths (37° C) have a positive effect.

Is it possible to travel?

Long flights with time zone changes are undesirable. In case of emergency, it is preferable to use rail transport.

Should you strive to lose weight?

If you don't have overweight body, then you should not strive to lose weight. Remember that a stable weight is the key to health. Loss without apparent reason 4 or more kg of body weight should alert you to the worsening of heart failure.

What is the life expectancy after a heart transplant?

According to the International Heart and Lung Transplantation Registry, the life expectancy of 55% of heart transplant patients discharged from the clinic is 9.4 years, and 25% of those who survive this period have a life expectancy of 17 years.

How dangerous is pacemaker implantation surgery?

As with any heart surgery, there are occasional complications medical problems, although in last years the risks are becoming less and less. Complications of the operation may include: dislocation of the electrode (moving away from its usual position), “twitching” of the muscles in the area of the pacemaker, dermatitis and hematoma (bruise) in the area of the pacemaker bed, thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism, infection of the pacemaker bed, hemo- or pneumothorax (accumulation of blood or air in the pleural cavity), hemopericardium (accumulation of blood in the pericardial sac), electrode sepsis.

These complications appear most often in the first week after implantation, when the patient is still being observed in the hospital, do not directly threaten life and, fortunately, occur in only 1% of patients. They are quickly recognized and eliminated. Most ECS owners do not have any problems with their device.

Is the pacemaker visible from the outside?

Thanks to the use of miniature electronic circuits and light metal, the device is not noticeable from the outside for a person of average build and does not lead to any cosmetic defects. But the outline of the pacemaker unit may be noticeable in thin people and in children.

Can a pacemaker artificially keep a person alive?

The heart works only when it is sufficiently supplied with blood and energy. In the event of death, the small electrical impulses sent by the pacemaker to the heart have no effect on the heart. Therefore, artificially prolonging life in this way is impossible.

Will I be able to drive a car if I have a pacemaker implanted?

A pacemaker does not interfere with driving. Moreover, if you have experienced episodes of dizziness while driving, then implantation of the device provides the only opportunity to use a personal car and avoid an accident.

Will I always need a pacemaker?

A pacemaker does not “fix” rhythm problems. However, it helps the heart beat regularly. Sometimes it provides backup support when the heart needs it, for example, during pauses in the heart, in other cases only the pacemaker keeps the heart beating. Therefore, most people need a pacemaker for life.

How can I check that my pacemaker is functioning correctly in another city or country?

The pacemaker is universal and can be adjusted in any clinic that has arrhythmology equipment. Most regional centers of the Republic of Belarus have specialists and appropriate equipment. Find out from your doctor in which nearest city you can register with an arrhythmologist.

Is it possible to replace my pacemaker with another model during reimplantation?

Yes it is possible.

Can I use a cell phone if I have a pacemaker?

Yes. Modern technologies production of pacemakers allow the device to resist cell phone interference. This applies to all cell phones, including pocket and car phones. There are no restrictions on the use of regular portable phones. Digital cell phones have a slightly greater impact on pacemakers. They emit a series of pulsating signals with radio frequencies similar to the frequency characteristics of the heart. For this reason, your doctor may recommend that you avoid using a digital phone or that you carry it in a bottom pocket on the side opposite your pacemaker.

Can I use electrical appliances such as a microwave, hair dryer or massage devices?

You can safely use properly functioning electrical appliances. The pacemaker is not affected by them.

Can I go to the sauna or the beach if I have a pacemaker implanted?

In the sauna you can use temperatures up to 100 °C. If you are relaxing at the beach, try not to expose the pacemaker area to direct sunlight for long periods of time. sun rays. After many hours of irradiation due to the infrared spectrum sunlight The metal casing of the pacemaker becomes hot and may cause swelling and redness over it the next morning.

Will a pacemaker affect my sex life?

You can resume your sex life whenever you feel it is necessary. Most patients with pacemakers report significant improvements in their sex lives. Women with pacemakers give birth to healthy children, and their pregnancy proceeds in the same way as that of ordinary women. If a woman finds out about her pregnancy, she needs to visit an arrhythmologist. He will give her more information on how to behave during this time.

Can bad habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs) affect the performance of my pacemaker?

These harmful habits do not directly affect the function of the pacemaker, but they contribute to the progression of the underlying heart disease that required the implantation of the pacemaker, and can lead to ineffectiveness of the device.

Can I be near high voltage electromagnetic fields?

The rhythm of the pacemaker can be affected by working with an electric drill and electric arc welding. It is not recommended to stay near powerful electromagnetic fields for a long time - high-voltage lines, powerful electrical installations. It is better to cross high-voltage power lines near support poles (the place of lowest voltage).

After having a pacemaker implanted, I continue to experience dizziness and weakness. Does this mean my pacemaker is not working effectively?

In most situations like yours, these episodes are not related to cardiac arrhythmias or pacemaker activity. Consultation with other specialists may be necessary to determine the exact nature of these conditions and to prescribe adequate treatment. The easiest way to make sure that the pacemaker is working properly is to count your pulse to check whether its rate matches what the doctor set. The pulse must not be lower than the minimum frequency programmed into the pacemaker. Your doctor may recommend keeping a diary where you record your heart rate, including the date and time it was taken. In any case, consult your doctor.

What should I know about my child's activity and play if he has a pacemaker?

After consultation with a doctor, your child will be able to perform most of the active activities that children his age do, including swimming, dancing, biking, skating, group play, and more. The child should be careful and avoid activities that could cause a direct blow to the pacemaker area - boxing, football or other rough sports. Diet, vaccinations, emotional experiences, and cold will not affect the function of the pacemaker. However, check with your child's doctor about any special restrictions.