How to Understand a Pacemaker

There are several resources available to help you understand a pacemaker. Online sites, medical journals and medical papers are just a few. Many of these can be found at a public or academic library. Talking to your doctor will be perhaps the most valuable source of information. He or she can give you brochures and pamphlets that explain exactly what a pacemaker is and how it works.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet access
• Medical Journals (online and print)
• Medical papers
• Physician supplied information

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Instructions

Websites

• 1

  Excellent information can be found by doing a search on your favorite engine such as Google or Ask.com. There you will find links to the National Institute of Health, Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association.

• 2

  Medical Journals can be technical, but also provide a wealth of information. Cardiology Online lists several journals for you to choose from. JAMA (The Journal Of the American Medical Association), American Heart Journal, and Journal of the American College of Cardiology are just a few of the print journals available.

• 3

  Your cardiologist may be your best source of information. He or she specializes in diseases of the heart. Communication with your doctor is important. Be sure to ask any questions you may have. It is a good idea to make a list of question you have before your visit to your doctor. That way you will not forget and it will give you a place to start your discussion. Your cardiologist may be able to give you brochures and pamphlets to take home. Support groups are available online for people who have had pacemakers implanted. Some hospitals offer support groups that meet once a week or once a month. These can be good places to talk to individuals who have been through the procedure and live with their pacemakers each day.