Why is this procedure done?
A pacemaker check is a vital part of the follow-up treatment when you have a pacemaker. Your follow-up schedule is based on the type of pacemaker you have. It is also based on your medical condition. At this visit, the doctor checks the pacemaker and: ‚
- Adjusts the settings to your activities.
- Checks to make sure it is in good working order.
- Sees how it interacts with your heart.
- Does any repairs that are needed.
It is important to have your pacemaker checked regularly to keep it working well. ‚
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What will the results be?
Your pacemaker will get a tune-up by your doctor. Your settings may be adjusted to your personal needs. The battery will be checked to see when it needs to be replaced. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Bring all paperwork for the pacemaker. This is most often given to you after the pacemaker is placed inside you. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor may also order some tests such as chest x-ray and ECG.
- You will lie down on a table. The technician will attach small sticky pads to your chest.
- A special tool with a magnet will be placed over the pacemaker. This tool is hooked to a computer that will learn more about how well the pacemaker is working.
- You may take a short walk to check the pacemaker.
- The technician can find out the battery life and if the pacemaker is working the correct way.
- You will not feel any pain or discomfort during this procedure. This procedure may last for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Your pacemaker settings may be changed after your doctor talks to the technician.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your doctor will keep a record of your pacemaker check.
- You will be given a schedule for your next pacemaker check.
- You may go home after the procedure.
What follow-up care is needed?
There is no specific care needed after the checkup, but you will need continued follow-up visits. Be sure to keep these follow-up visits. Most often you will need to be seen by your doctor: ‚
- 24 hours after pacemaker insertion
- 6 weeks after pacemaker insertion
- At 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after insertion
- Once each year after that
What problems could happen?
- Pacemaker does not work well
- Battery starts to wear out
- Wire gets moved or broken
- Pacemaker does not fix the problem
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pace/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚