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Pacemaker Warnings

Doctors place pacemakers in patients for various reasons. The heart may not be beating fast enough or there may be a problem with the electrical signals that cause the heart to beat. A doctor places a pacemaker through a small incision in the chest. The device has a timer that sends signals that let the heart know when to beat. Patients who have a pacemaker inserted must learn to recognize associated warning signs.

  1. High Voltage

    • People with pacemakers must avoid areas of high voltage, which could make the pacemaker malfunction. Areas of high voltage include high tension wires, power plants, large magnets, smelting furnaces, radar installations and arc welding machines. Standing near these areas could cause symptoms of pacemaker malfunction, such as lightheadedness, a change in heart rhythm and dizziness. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should back up at least 10 feet and check their pulse. Microwave ovens no longer affect pacemaker function because today's pacemakers have built-in protection against this type of electrical interference.

    Airport Security

    • People who have pacemakers are generally safe while passing through airport security checkpoints. However, you need to tell the security staff that you have a pacemaker. Pacemakers can set off the alarm in the airport terminal. If the security staff wishes to conduct a more thorough search, it may be a problem. Hand-held metal detecting wands used in airport terminals may affect the function of the pacemaker because the wand uses a magnet to detect metal. This may cause changes in the function of the pacemaker. Airport security must avoid holding the wand directly over the pacemaker for longer than one or two seconds.

    MRI

    • Pacemaker patients should avoid having an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan because this type of machine may affect the function or programming of your pacemaker. Rapidly changing magnetic fields may cause the leads of the pacemaker to generate heat. Pacemaker patients should discuss the risks and benefits of having an MRI and should only do so if the doctor feels it is unavoidable. A cardiologist should monitor pacemaker patients at all times during the MRI. Pacemaker programming devices should be accessible during the procedure.

    Surgery

    • Surgical procedures require pacemaker patients to alert their surgeon or dentist to the presence of their pacemaker. Certain surgical procedures may require the pacemaker to be turned off or set to a different mode. A cardiologist can change the settings on the pacemaker without surgery.

    Emergency Symptoms

    • Patients should always call their cardiologist if they exhibit any severe symptoms. Emergency symptoms may include severe pain at the pacemaker site, frequent hiccups, shortness of breath, abdominal muscle twitching, dizziness, blackouts and lightheadedness. A cardiologist should address infection symptoms such as redness, swelling, drainage, warmth, fever and tenderness over the pacemaker site.

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