These adjustments can include limiting your exposure and proximity to certain household items and commercial equipment, such as microwave ovens and welding equipment. There are also diet and fitness changes that will improve your overall health and maximize the effectiveness of your pacemaker.
For those who are concerned, the American Heart Association (AHA) reports that most modern pacemakers have been developed with technology in mind. That is, they have built-in features to protect them against most types of interference by electrical devices that you use on a day-to-day basis.
But because technology is changing rapidly, and because these features do not protect against all forms of interference -- including certain electrical devices and devices that emit magnetic fields -- you should familiarize yourself with which activities and devices will put you in harm’s way. And what steps you should take to ensure your safety.
What Is A Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a device that is implanted into the chest to keep a person’s heart from beating too slowly or too irregularly to function properly. Modern pacemakers have the ability to not only assist in regulating your heart rate, but they can also monitor and record your heart’s electrical activity, as well as your blood temperature, breathing rate, and other information. This data can be uploaded and wirelessly sent to you and/or your doctor’s office to monitor your overall health.
As innovative as a pacemaker it is, patients must proceed with caution. Here are a few of the things that pacemaker patients should avoid:
Tattoos
A quick search on Google returns countless postings in forums about getting and giving tattoos to people who have implanted pacemakers. While there are some artists who claim that air-powered guns are able to safely deliver tattoos to patients who are looking for a MedAlert tattoo, most medical experts agree that tattoos, especially tattoos to cover the implant site for a pacemaker, are not safe.
According to Dr. Bennett Werner, a cardiologist and commenter on HealthTap.com, the guns used in most tattoos can run the risk of shocking a patient, which can interfere with their pacemakers or, even worse, reprogram them. The gun used may also have an electromagnetic current that’s not safe for your device. Be sure to discuss any plans for a tattoo with your cardiologist. If you still insist on getting a tattoo, let your tattoo artist know you have a tattoo if you decide to move forward with body art.
Physical Activities
People living with pacemakers will find that most of their physical activities are perfectly acceptable to resume, although after having the device implanted, doctors may advise a period of rest following the procedure. For some athletes, lifestyle changes may mean that they are unable to continue with certain sports, especially those that involve full contact. These types of activities can damage your device or dislodge the wires that have been implanted to control your heart rate. Heavy weight lifting or activities that require prolonged upper body motion, such as tennis, may do the same thing.
Talk to your doctor about any and all sports that you plan to pursue after your pacemaker has been implanted. Determine a specific set of guidelines based on the type of device you have and your level of physical fitness and overall health.
Scuba Diving
Deep scuba dives are considered to be unsafe for patients with pacemakers -- although the maximum depths may vary depending on the type of device you have implanted. Different devices have been depth tested to different distances. Regardless of which device a patient has, overall health should be more of a determining factor. Speak with your cardiologist beforehand. Some scuba facilities will require a medical release form before you are able to take lessons, if you haven’t already been certified). Learn any limitations you should be aware of, and whether this activity is safe for you personally.
Cell Phone Adjustments
Brigham and Women’s Hospital advises that using a cell phone may interfere with your pacemaker’s function, but only if steps aren’t taken to ensure safe use. They note that the interference should only be temporary, and should only interfere with the pacemaker during the time that your phone is too close to the device. To avoid this complication, many experts agree that you should hold the cell phone on the side opposite where your pacemaker has been implanted. Maintain a minimum of six inches from the phone and your pacemaker, and avoid putting your cell phone in a pocket over your device.
You should also be wary of cell phone and MP3 headphones, which contain magnetic material that may cause interference. If you use headphones, never place them in the pocket closest to your device, and make sure that you don’t drape them over your shoulder so that they hang near your device.
Travel Limitations
Most people who live with pacemakers can travel as they please, unless other health issues prevent it. However, you will need to take certain steps to ensure safe travel and to avoid any pitfalls if you have a problem with your pacemaker while on the road, especially when traveling abroad. Talk to your doctor about your travel and activity plans to ensure that you won’t be exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.
You will also want to bring with you a pacemaker ID card that identifies you as someone with a pacemaker and contains information about the device make and model. This will be helpful when going through security checkpoints, as pacemakers with metal may set off detectors and you may be asked to provide documentation. You can also save time by registering as disabled with the airline or cruise company. That way they are aware of your pacemaker in advance in the event you experience any problems.
Finally, you should research what locations at your travel destination will be able to provide you with assistance, from medical attention to device repair, while you are away from home. Often times, device manufacturers will be able to provide you with a list of physicians and hospitals that can provide you with assistance if your device malfunctions on your trip. You’ll also likely want to research a qualified heart center at your destination in the event of a medical emergency.
Medical Procedures
Certain medical procedures, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screenings and some dental procedures may be unsafe for patients who are living with pacemakers. You should be sure to disclose to all doctors, dentists, nurses and technicians both that you have an implanted pacemaker and what type of device you have. Discuss and weigh the risks and benefits associated with any procedures before moving forward to avoid complications or having your pacemaker fail.