Our hearts beat 24/7 non-stop with the help of electrical signals that pass through it in a collegial order. However, there may be times when this regular rhythm becomes disrupted: you may feel your heart beating too fast, too slow, or it may even skip a beat. This occurrence is called arrhythmias. Some arrhythmias do not bring harm, but there are also those that indicate an underlying problem. You should visit a cardiologist in Orchard, Singapore if you often feel these disruptions to your heart beat and they are accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, fainting, fatigue, or shortness of breath. Through a thorough assessment, a cardiologist can provide timely medical intervention, such as a pacemaker implantation, to help regulate your heart and keep it beating at a normal rhythm and rate.
When is a pacemaker needed?
A pacemaker is commonly recommended for individuals with a condition called Bradycardia. Bradycardia happens when your heart beats lower than 60 beats per minute, which is much slower than the normal rate. When your heart beats abnormally slow, your body may not get enough oxygen from the blood, which is pumped by the heart to reach all over the body. As a result, you may feel confused, extremely tired or even faint. Aside from Bradycardia, there are also other health conditions that may require a pacemaker for your heart, such as:
- After a heart surgery
- Atrial fibrillation
- Congenital heart conditions
- Heart block
- Sick sinus syndrome
It is important to remember that a pacemaker does not permanently cure any heart condition or disease. Rather, it is a tool that can bring significant improvement to your heart’s everyday function and help avoid complications that can be dangerous or damaging.
How to live your life with a pacemaker
Having a pacemaker is definitely life changing. It allows you to return to your day-to-day activities and perform regular tasks without disruptions. Most importantly, it can extend your life expectancy. However, for you to enjoy these benefits from a pacemaker, there are certain things that you need to be aware of in order for your heart device to function excellently.
Here are some important guidelines that you should do after your pacemaker implantation surgery.
Healing and Recovery
Proper healing ensures that your device settles securely inside of your body.
Arm movement restriction
During the first few weeks after your procedure, always keep in mind not to raise the side of your arm where the pacemaker is closest to above the level of your shoulder to avoid the device from getting displaced. You can do gentle arm exercises and movements to keep your it mobile and prevent stiffness.
Avoid strenuous activities
Any activity that requires your upper body to exert effort should be avoided. This includes pushing, pulling, twisting, or lifting any object that weighs more than ten pounds. It is best to skip chores like mopping, vacuuming, or lifting heavy groceries until your cardiologist gives you clearance.
Keep the incision site protected
While you rest and recover, remember to keep the area where your pacemaker was implanted clean and dry. You should not take a bath or go swimming until the incision site has completely healed. For women, a small pad may be placed over the incision to shield it from your bra strap.
Day-to-day Life
Taking precautions and avoiding electromagnetic interference (EMI) ensures that your pacemaker does not encounter any functional disruptions.
Mobile phones and other electronic devices
While it is generally safe to use a mobile phone, it is crucial to remember to keep it away from your pacemaker for a distance of at least six inches. Do not slip your phone on your shirt pocket that is directly above or close to the pacemaker. When talking on the phone, use the ear opposite the side of the pacemaker’s location. Keep other electronic devices with magnets, like wireless headphones or smart watches, away from your pacemaker.
Home appliances
Always keep a safe distance between your body and home appliances, such as hair dryers and microwave ovens, whenever you use them. Tools or equipment that have motors can affect the operation of your pacemaker, so always be mindful to keep the side of your body where your pacemaker is implanted away from the motor.
Industrial equipment and large motors
Take extra care whenever you are around equipment with large motors running, such as cars, boats, and high-voltage power lines as they can generate strong electromagnetic fields that can interfere with the pacemaker’s function. Let your cardiologist know if you work in industries that use these equipment, so you may understand the risks and get proper guidance on how to care for your pacemaker correctly.
Undergoing Other Health Procedures
When undergoing certain medical and dental procedures, always inform your medical provider about your pacemaker. Some tests and procedures may cause disruptions to your device.
MRI Scans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) used to be a procedure that was not recommended for people with pacemakers due to the equipment’s powerful magnets. However, as technology continues to advance, latest developments have improved the design of pacemakers, allowing them to be used safely with an MRI provided that certain conditions are strictly followed. Before undergoing an MRI scan, always remember to check with your cardiologist if your pacemaker is “MRI-conditional” and consult with your MRI technician if it is compatible with the type of MRI equipment used.
Surgery
Some surgical tools can interfere with the pacemaker’s functionality, so it is important to let your surgeon and the surgical team, including your anaesthesiologist, know about the presence of the device.
Other Procedures
Some dental, medical, and physical therapy procedures may use electronic devices and tools that can affect your pacemaker’s operations. It is important to make them aware that you have one, so they can take extra precautions to make your procedure and pacemaker safe from complications or dysfunction.
Key Steps to a Healthy Body and Lifestyle
By taking to heart all the guidance outlined above and those given by your doctor, so you can live a normal and healthy life.
Bring your pacemaker ID always
You will be issued with a pacemaker ID that contains all the important details about your device. This includes information about its model, manufacturer, and the date when it was implanted. Keep this with you at all times as it is an invaluable source of information during emergencies or when you need to go under security checkpoints.
Exercise and physical activities
As soon as you complete your recovery and your doctor allows you to resume your normal activities, include exercise to your daily routine to keep your heart healthy. Ask your cardiologist for an exercise plan that you can do regularly like cycling, swimming, or walking. Avoid playing any activity or sport that can expose your body to direct blows that can affect or damage your pacemaker.
Regular consultations with your cardiologist
Your pacemaker requires a battery for it to operate. The battery life should be monitored regularly as well as the main function and performance of your device.
Conclusion
A pacemaker should not hinder you from enjoying your life to the fullest. Understanding your body and this helpful device should encourage you to take a proactive approach in living a healthy lifestyle. If you notice any changes to your health or symptoms may be heart related like chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath, seek the attention of a cardiologist in Singapore immediately.
Cadence Heart – Dr Devinder Singh
Mt Elizabeth Hospital
3 Mount Elizabeth #14-13
Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Tel: (65) 8318 9884
Whatsapp: (65) 6369 8789
