How to Monitor a Pacemaker

If your heart begins to have problems maintaining a normal heart beat, you may need a pacemaker to improve the rhythm. This regulates your heart's electrical system as well as its rhythms. However, as with most things electrical, pacemakers are capable of failure. You and your doctor must keep your pacemaker working at optimal levels by monitoring and running regular tests.

Things You'll Need

• Monitor

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Instructions

• 1

  Take your pulse regularly, either on your neck or your wrist. This helps ensure that your pacemaker is keeping up with the heartbeat that your doctor deemed necessary for you.

• 2

  Check your pacemaker via telephone every few months. According to MayoClinic.com, you can connect yourself to a phone line using a transmitter attached to wristbands, or using a wand over the pacemaker. This will allow your pulse to be sent to a technician on the other end of the line, who will measure your heart rate and rhythm to ensure it's working properly.

• 3

  Call the number your doctor has specified to reach the main testing center at your doctor's office. Hold the phone over the monitor so the technician can read the electrocardiogram.

• 4

  Place the specified magnet over your pacemaker so the technician can check your heart rate, pacemaker battery life and how well it is functioning.

• 5

  Schedule doctor visits to get a full check-up at least once every six months to a year.