Is Angina a Precursor to a Heart Attack?
Are you experiencing chest pain or angina? Does it come and go? Are you worried about a heart problem? Find out why angina that comes and goes deserves an evaluation by a cardiologist.
Adjusting to Life with a Pacemaker
Do you have an irregular heartbeat? Our expert team at Lone Star Heart and Vascular Center in Tomball, Texas, may recommend a pacemaker to keep your heart steady and on beat. A pacemaker can calm a heart that races too fast and can also fix bradycardia, which occurs when your heartbeat is just too sluggish.
A pacemaker not only helps you regain your sense of self, but also adjusts your heart rate to align with your chosen activities, tailoring itself to your lifestyle.
Your first days with a pacemaker
Once your pacemaker’s snugly tucked into your chest via surgery, you’ll remain at the hospital for a couple of days. During this time, your provider monitors you to ensure the pacemaker is working correctly and dialed in just for you.
Many people with pacemakers may still require medications to keep their heartbeat smooth and steady.
Daily life with a pacemaker
Most people bounce back to their usual routine pretty quickly after the implant. We’ll provide you with a custom plan for ramping up activity, factoring in your age, health history, and any specifics of your arrhythmia. We want you to almost forget that the pacemaker is there, but there are a few things worth keeping on your radar.
Electromagnetic field concerns with a pacemaker
Every gadget that plugs in or pings a signal—like your phone or microwave—creates an invisible electromagnetic field (EMI). Your pacemaker has shields to withstand everyday EMI but may be sensitive to super-strong fields.
Steer clear of hefty magnets or intense electrical zones, and give your cell phone some breathing room – keep it six inches from your pacemaker. Right after implantation, we’ll give you full instructions to help you avoid excessive EMI to keep things safe.
Moving with a pacemaker
Staying active is key to a happy heart and healthy body. When you have a pacemaker, it’s all about tuning into what feels right. This can be as simple as taking a daily bike ride or a dip in the pool to swim a few laps.
No need to push your limits — go for what makes you feel good. Stop before you’re wiped out. The perfect workout should leave you feeling strong and energized, not weak and depleted.
Alert medical professionals about your pacemaker
Are you seeing a new doctor or dentist or undergoing a screening exam like a CT scan or MRI? If so, inform the provider about your pacemaker. Some tests and treatments have an elevated electromagnetic effect that could interfere with your device and throw your health off-kilter. By letting professionals know, you can avoid unwanted complications.
Traveling with a pacemaker
A pacemaker does not restrict you from driving a car, traveling by train, or flying, but it is crucial to inform security personnel about it when going through airport screening.
A metal detector won’t harm your pacemaker but will detect it, causing delays at checkpoints. Inform TSA agents about your pacemaker for a separate screening with a handheld wand. Keep a medical device ID card in your wallet — it’s your VIP pass. It speeds you through security and, more importantly, clues in any emergency medics if you’re ever in a pinch.
Keep up with regular check-ups
Your pacemaker can last about 15 years, but it’s important to make sure it’s working properly. Regular check-ins (every three to six months, depending on your model and how long it’s been in use) ensure this. Some models allow you to check their condition at home, but you should still get professional evaluations periodically to ensure everything is OK.
Contact Lone Star Heart and Vascular today if you have questions about your pacemaker or cardiac health. Call the office or use the online tool to set up an appointment.
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