How to Test Pacemaker Defibrillators

A pacemaker defibrillator is placed inside the chest via a surgery and serves two main purposes. The pacemaker controls the heartbeat. It can be used to regulate an irregular heartbeat or correct a slow heartbeat. The defibrillator sends an electrical shock to the heart if it stops beating or when the pacemaker is unable to get it back into rhythm. If you have a pacemaker/defibrillator, it will need to be checked periodically to ensure that it is working properly.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain a monitoring unit from the physician who implanted your pacemaker/defibrillator. The monitoring unit makes it possible for the pacemaker defibrillator to be monitored over the phone.

• 2

  Visit your doctor once a year for a comprehensive check of your pacemaker defibrillator.

• 3

  Call the monitoring company every few months for a technician to be able to monitor your pacemaker.

• 4

  Attach the monitoring device according to manufacturer's instructions on your particular device. For most types, the monitoring device will require placing sticky electrodes on the chest area where the pacemaker defibrillator is and giving the technician the information on the monitor so that he can connect to it via phone.