Living with a Pacemaker: Daily Life Questions Patients Ask Most

Being told you need a pacemaker can bring a mix of relief and worry. Relief, because the device will help your heart keep a steady rhythm and ease symptoms like dizziness, fatigue and fainting. Worry, because you may wonder how it will change your everyday life.

Can you use your mobile phone? Is it safe to walk through airport security? When can you drive, exercise or return to work? These are some of the most common questions patients ask.

What Is a Pacemaker?

A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device placed under the skin, usually just below the collarbone. It is connected to the heart by one or more thin wires called leads. Some newer pacemakers, called leadless pacemakers, are placed directly inside the heart.

The pacemaker monitors your heart rhythm and sends small electrical signals to keep your heart beating at an appropriate rate when it beats too slowly or pauses.

Common reasons for a pacemaker include:

• A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
• Heart block, where electrical signals are delayed or blocked
• Sick sinus syndrome
• Certain types of heart failure, which may need a special pacemaker called cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT)
• Some patients with atrial fibrillation and slow heart rates

The First Few Weeks After Implantation

How Long Is Recovery?

Pacemaker implantation is usually a minimally invasive procedure. Many patients go home within a day or two. Most people return to light daily activities within a few days, but the wound and leads need time to settle.

Caring for the Wound

• Keep the wound clean and dry as instructed
• Avoid soaking the area in water until your doctor allows
• Don't apply creams or powders unless advised
• Wear loose clothing over the area

Contact your doctor if you notice:

• Redness, swelling or warmth around the wound
• Discharge or pus
• Fever
• Increasing pain
• Bleeding

Arm Movements

For the first four to six weeks, doctors usually advise limiting certain movements on the side of the pacemaker to allow the leads to secure in place:

• Avoid raising the arm on the pacemaker side above shoulder level
• Avoid lifting heavy objects, often more than 4 to 5 kg
• Avoid vigorous pushing, pulling or swinging movements, such as swimming or golf

Always follow the specific instructions from your cardiologist.

Daily Life Questions Answered

Can I Use a Mobile Phone?

Yes. Mobile phones are safe to use. As a precaution, most manufacturers suggest:

• Holding the phone to the ear on the opposite side from your pacemaker
• Not carrying the phone in a shirt or jacket pocket directly over the pacemaker
• Keeping phones at least 15 cm away from the device

Is It Safe to Use Household Appliances?

Most household appliances are safe, including:

• Televisions, radios and computers
• Microwave ovens
• Refrigerators, washing machines and mixers
• Hair dryers and electric shavers
• Electric blankets

Induction cooktops create magnetic fields, so keep a distance of at least 60 cm between the cooktop and the pacemaker when it's in use. Check with your doctor or the device manufacturer's guidance for specific appliances.

What About Headphones and Earbuds?

Headphones and earbuds contain magnets. Avoid placing them near the chest or draping them around your neck close to the device.

Can I Travel by Air?

Yes. Air travel is generally safe with a pacemaker.

• Carry your pacemaker identification card
• Inform airport security staff that you have a pacemaker
• Walking through standard metal detectors is usually fine, but move through them normally without lingering
• If a handheld wand is used, ask staff to avoid holding it over the pacemaker for long periods
• Carry your medicines and a summary of your medical history

Can I Drive?

Most people can drive again after pacemaker implantation, but you'll usually need to wait for a period, often about one week or as advised by your cardiologist. The waiting period depends on why you needed the pacemaker and local regulations. Commercial drivers may have different rules.

When Can I Return to Work?

People with desk jobs can often return within one to two weeks. Those with physically demanding jobs may need four to six weeks. Some workplaces with strong electromagnetic fields, such as those involving industrial welding equipment, large motors or high-voltage generators, may require precautions. Discuss your workplace with your cardiologist.

Can I Exercise?

Yes, and regular activity is encouraged. After the initial healing period:

• Walking, cycling and light jogging are generally safe
• Gradually increase intensity based on your doctor's advice
• Swimming and activities involving strong arm movements should wait until the leads have settled
• Avoid contact sports that could cause a direct blow to the device, or use protective padding if cleared by your doctor

Cardiac rehabilitation programmes can help you return to exercise safely.

Can I Have Sex?

Most people can resume sexual activity once they feel comfortable and the wound has healed, usually within a few weeks. Avoid positions that put pressure on the pacemaker site early in recovery.

Can I Have MRI Scans?

Many modern pacemakers are MRI-conditional, meaning MRI can be performed safely under specific conditions. Older devices may not be compatible. Always inform your doctors and radiology team that you have a pacemaker so they can check the device type and make arrangements.

What Medical Procedures Need Caution?

Let all healthcare providers, including dentists, know that you have a pacemaker. Some procedures need special precautions:

• Surgeries using electrocautery
• Certain physiotherapy devices, such as TENS units and diathermy
• Radiation therapy
• Lithotripsy for kidney stones

How Long Does a Pacemaker Battery Last?

Pacemaker batteries typically last 7 to 15 years, depending on the device and how often it works. Battery life is checked during routine follow-ups. When the battery runs low, the pulse generator is replaced in a relatively simple procedure. The leads are usually left in place if they are working well.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Regular follow-ups are essential:

• A check-up a few weeks after implantation
• Routine device checks every 6 to 12 months, or as advised
• Many pacemakers can be monitored remotely, sending data to your care team from home

During check-ups, your doctor will:

• Review battery life
• Check lead function
• Review stored heart rhythm data
• Adjust settings if needed

Symptoms That Need Medical Attention

Contact your doctor promptly if you experience:

• Dizziness or fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Persistent hiccups, which may indicate lead position issues
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Very slow or very fast heartbeat
• Signs of infection at the wound site
• Unusual fatigue

Emotional Well-Being

It's common to feel anxious or low after getting a pacemaker. Some people worry about the device failing. Talking to your cardiologist, joining support groups and speaking with family can help. Remember that modern pacemakers are highly reliable and closely monitored.

Conclusion

A pacemaker is designed to give you back your life, not restrict it. With simple precautions, regular follow-up and guidance from your cardiology team, most people with pacemakers enjoy active, fulfilling lives, working, travelling, exercising and spending time with loved ones.

If you have a pacemaker and need a routine device check, or if you've been experiencing symptoms like dizziness or fatigue, our cardiology team can help. Book your test with Citizens Specialty Hospital for expert heart rhythm care.