Cause of Pacemaker Infections

Implanted pacemakers are used to control dangerous and often life-threatening heart arrhythmias. Infection is a rare, but serious risk of receiving a pacemaker. All risks and benefits should be discussed with your cardiologist before surgery.

Age and Sex

• "Increasing age and female gender were actually protective against infection," Dr Andrew Voigt stated at the Heart Rhythm Society 2006 Scientific Sessions.

Medication

• A class of drugs called corticosteroids can lower you immune system and increase your risk of infection. Some of the mostly commonly prescribed are prednisone, decadron and solu-medrol.

Disease

• Any disease or medical condition that suppresses your immune system increases your risk of infection. This includes diabetes, renal failure and cancer.

Incision Site

• Until the incision is fully healed, bacteria can easily enter the open wound.

Signs and Symptoms

• The most common indications of infection include pain, redness or drainage at the site of the incision. Other signs include fever and/or chills, nausea and vomiting. Report any of these symptoms to your surgeon immediately.

Treatment

• For a minor infection, your physician may prescribe antibiotics. However, if the infection is more serious, you may need to have the pacer leads replaced or even have the entire device removed.