Advice for New Pacemaker Patients

This leaflet list is intended to help in the early recovery of people who have recently had a heart pacemaker fitted and to answer some of the more frequently asked questions. Please note that this is a general advice and some aspects may not apply to you.

Do Nots

Do not lift anything heavy or raise your right/left arm above your head for one month, as this may displace the electrode in your heart.

Do not drive until your stitches have been removed and you have been seen by a health professional (approximately 1 week after the implant).

Do not enter the Physiotherapy Department before you have told the Physiotherapist that you have a pacemaker. (some of the special equipment may affect your pacemaker).

Do not wear tight braces or tight clothing over your pacemaker for one month.

Do not take strenuous exercise such as swimming, tennis, running or golf for one month.

Do not carry a mobile/cellular telephone close to the pacemaker site.

Do's

Do keep the wound site dry until the stitches are removed. No dressing is needed over the wound.

If you are admitted to hospital for any reason, do tell the staff, that you have a pacemaker. Tell your dentist at your next visit.

Do carry your identity card at all times. It has specific information about you and your pacemaker written in it.

If flying abroad, do notify airlines that you have a pacemaker. Your pacemaker will cause the alarms to sound when walking through the metal detector. This will not harm your pacemaker.

Do inform the DVLC and your car insurance company that you have a pacemaker. If you do not drive a vehicle then you don't need to do this.

Do have any faulty domestic electrical items repaired. Properly working equipment will not affect your pacemaker.

Do let us know about any change of address or doctor.