What You Need To Know About Pacemaker Insertion

1. If I have bradycardiac arrhythmia, do I have to undergo a pacemaker?

Not all bradycardic arrhythmias require cardiac pacemaker procedures. If there is a reversible cause (such as a drug or food, electrolyte imbalance), and the pulse is temporarily slow, the cause should be corrected first. However, if bradycardia is caused by irreversible causes, pacemaker procedures should be performed.

2. Is there any problem in daily life after the pacemaker?

Occasionally, there is a pain in the treatment area, which is caused by adhesion of the electrode insertion site and does not cause serious problems.

3. Does the pacemaker have a lifetime?

The pacemaker has a life span of 6 to 10 years. The life expectancy of the battery can be predicted through regular checks at the pacemaker clinic. If the battery is nearing the end of its life, the patient must be hospitalized and replaced by a re-treatment.

4. Is there any risk of complications during or after the pacemaker procedure?

The pacemaker complications are less than 1%, and pneumothorax, hemothorax, inflammation, bleeding, and mechanical problems may occur. Most of these are recoverable complications, but inflammation with infection requires removal of the pacemaker itself and re-treatment.

5. Which foods are good for bradycardia?

There are no special restrictions or recommendations. However, it is recommended to choose foods that are good for the heart, such as low-salt foods, vegetables, and nuts, because elderly patients often have accompanying heart disease.

6. When should I go to the hospital quickly after the pacemaker is inserted?

Careful observation is required within two months after the pacemaker procedure, as it is the most electrically unstable period. If any of the following findings appear, you should go to a cardiac pacemaker clinic for examination.

• When symptoms of bradycardiac arrhythmias reappear as before the pacemaker procedure
• When dizziness or fainting occurs
• If there is pain and inflammation or swelling in the treatment area
• When the pacemaker is hit or damaged
• When exposed to strong electromagnetic waves
• If you need to undergo surgery using a hemostatic electric cauterizer