What is a pacemaker?

A pacemaker is approximately 5 by 4 cm and the thickness is about 6/7mm. It is a flat oval shape. You might be able to feel it in your chest, particularly when lying down. Sometimes you can see the shape of the pacemaker under your skin, though this depends on your body shape. Modern pacemakers are smaller so often they can’t be seen.

How does a pacemaker work?

The pacemaker senses through the wires what the heart is doing at any given time and if it senses that the heart has slowed down or missed a beat then it will send an electrical impulse to stimulate the heart to restore it to its normal rate. Most people don’t feel the electrical impulse, but you may feel the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat change. Often people probably get used to this and stop noticing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does the heart need to be stopped during a pacemaker operation?

No, it doesn’t. The heart continues beating at its normal rate during the procedure.

Would I have anaesthetic for the procedure?

The vast majority of pacemakers are put in under local anaesthetic. Usually there is an option of sedation too if you need it and if it is safe. The procedure is generally very well tolerated, with only very minor discomfort when the local anaesthetic is injected. Occasionally we need to perform the procedure under general anaesthetic.

Will I feel the pacemaker working?

Most people don’t feel the electrical impulse, but you may feel the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat change. Often people get used to this and stop noticing.

How long will a pacemaker last? What happens when you need a new battery?

The average lifespan of a pacemaker battery is about 6-7 years and the procedure for changing the battery is much simpler than when pacemakers are put in. It is performed as a day case under local anaesthetic.

The wound is reopened and the pacemaker box is removed, but the leads stay in place. The new box is substituted and the wound is sewn up. Most people go home the same day. There is plenty of warning before the battery runs out and patients are regularly checked for that.

How often does my pacemaker need to be checked?

Your pacemaker will be checked the day after the implantation and then at six weeks. After that it will be checked every year, and more often towards the end of the battery life.

What do I need to do or not do after having a pacemaker fitted?

You shouldn’t get the wound wet until it has healed and you will be given dressings to help keep it dry.

We advise no strenuous activity for the first six weeks to give the wound the chance to heal up and lead to bed in place. That means avoiding sports, particularly contact sports, or doing anything where you lift, push or pull heavy objects.

Can you exercise with a pacemaker? Will the battery wear out faster if I exercise more?

For the vast majority of people exercise has a negligible effect on the battery over the lifetime of the device. The overwhelming message is that exercise will benefit your heart.