TheseA pacemaker is a small, life-saving device that helps regulate a person’s heartbeat. Despite being a common and effective treatment for certain heart conditions, misconceptions about living with one still exist. Understanding the reality of these cardiac devices can help dispel common myths and give you confidence in your heart health.
Myth 1: You can’t use a mobile phone or go through airport security
A common concern is that everyday technology, such as mobile phones and security scanners, will interfere with a pacemaker. In reality, most modern devices are safe in most environments. You can use your mobile phone normally, though it is often recommended to hold it to the ear opposite your pacemaker and avoid carrying it in a shirt pocket directly over the device. As for airport security, walking through a metal detector is generally safe, but you should inform security staff that you have a pacemaker. Hand-held wands pass over your body quickly and cannot be held directly over the device for an extended period.
Myth 2: The device is large and visible
Another myth is that a pacemaker is a large, bulky device that is easy for others to see. Modern pacemakers are actually quite small, often no bigger than a fifty-pence piece. Surgeons implant them just under the skin on the chest, and they are typically not noticeable to others. The small incision made during the procedure heals to a minimal scar, and the device itself is a subtle part of your life, not a prominent feature.
Myth 3: A pacemaker will require surgery every few years
Many people believe that because a pacemaker has a battery, it needs replacing with frequent, regular surgery. While the battery does need to be replaced, it can last for many years, often between 7 to 15 years, depending on how much it is used. When the battery begins to run low, it is a simple procedure to replace the pacemaker unit. The original wires, or leads can be left in place making the process much quicker and less invasive than the initial implantation.
Myth 4: A pacemaker is a cure for all heart problems
A pacemaker is not a cure for heart disease. Instead, it is a treatment for a specific type of heart condition: an abnormal heart rhythm that is too slow. The pacemaker’s function is to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. It also delivers small electrical impulses to ensure it beats at a safe and consistent rate. It addresses the rhythm problem but does not treat other cardiac issues. These devices are vital tools for rhythm management, allowing you to live an active and full life without the risk of fainting or other symptoms of a slow heartbeat.
Expert care and cardiac device appointments with Dr Begley
If you have symptoms that might be related to a heart rhythm disturbance, or if you have questions about pacemakers, it is important to seek a specialist’s opinion. Dr David Begley is a consultant cardiologist and expert in cardiac rhythm management. He regularly fits cardiac devices for patients including pacemakers. Get in touch to discuss your symptoms today.