Heart problems: Living with a pacemaker or ICD

How do you get the best results from a pacemaker or ICD?

When you have a pacemaker or ICD, it's important to avoid strong magnetic and electrical fields. The lists below show electrical and magnetic sources and how they may affect your pacemaker or ICD. For best results, follow these guidelines. If you have questions, check with your doctor.

Safety guidelines for pacemakers and ICDs

Stay away from:	CB or ham radios High-voltage power lines. Stay at least 25 ft (7.5 m) away. Large magnets MRI machines. An MRI uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. Arc welders Battery-powered cordless power tools Industrial power generators Magnets Magnetic wands used at airports Stereo speakers
Use with caution:	Cell phones: Do not carry a cell phone in a pocket directly over the pacemaker or ICD. Hold the phone to the ear on the side away from your device. Keep a phone at least 6 in. (15 cm) away from the pacemaker or ICD. MP3 player headphones: Do not keep headphones in a chest pocket. Do not drape headphones over your chest. Keep the following devices at least 12 in. (30.5 cm) away from the pacemaker or ICD: Arc welders Battery-powered cordless power tools Industrial power generators Magnets Magnetic wands used at airports Stereo speakers Radio transmitters (including those used in toys)
Safe to use:	Kitchen and bathroom equipment: Bathroom appliances (electric razors, curling irons, and hair dryers) Kitchen appliances (such as toasters, blenders, electric can openers, and refrigerators) Microwave, gas, and electric ovens Other household items: Electric tools (such as drills and table saws) Lawn and garden equipment (such as mowers and leaf blowers) Heating pads and electric blankets Washing machines and dryers Phones (land-line phones including cordless models) Remote controls TVs, VCRs, CD players, DVD players Office equipment: Computers Copy machines Fax machines Printers

Medical tests and procedures

Most medical tests and procedures will not affect your pacemaker or ICD, except for MRI, which uses strong magnets. To be safe:

• Let your doctors, dentists, and other health professionals know that you have a pacemaker or ICD before you have any test, procedure, or surgery.
• Have your dentist talk to your doctor before you have any dental work or surgery.
• If you need physical therapy, have the therapist contact your doctor before using ultrasound, heat therapy, or electrical stimulation.

Travel

• You can safely walk through airport security or anti-theft gates at a normal pace. But do not stand near or lean against them. Before you pass through a metal detector, tell the security guards that you have a pacemaker or ICD, and show them your device identification card. Your pacemaker or ICD may set off a metal detector, but the security archways will not damage the device.
• If you must be searched, ask the security guard for a hand search. The handheld security wand contains a strong magnet and should not be used. But if the handheld wand must be used, it should not be held over your pacemaker or ICD for a long period of time. The security guard should keep the wand at least 12 in. (30.5 cm) away from your pacemaker or ICD.
• If your device sets off a security alarm, show your device ID card.

Letting others know

• Carry an ICD or pacemaker ID card with you at all times. The card should include manufacturer information and the model number. Your doctor can give you a pacemaker or ICD identification card.
• Wear medical alert jewelry stating that you have a pacemaker or ICD. You can buy this at most drugstores.

Follow-up care

• Go to all your appointments with your doctor to make sure your device is working right.
• Take all your medicines as prescribed. The medicines work with your pacemaker or ICD to help your heart keep a steady rhythm.
• Call your doctor right away if you get a shock from your ICD.
• Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms that could mean your device is not working properly, such as:
  • Your heartbeat is very fast or slow, skipping, or fluttering.
  • You feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.
  • You have shortness of breath that is new or getting worse.
• Call your doctor right away if you think you have an infection near your pacemaker or ICD. Signs of an infection include:
  • Changes in the skin around your pacemaker or ICD, such as:
    • Swelling.
    • Warmth.
    • Redness.
    • Pain.
  • Unexplained fever.

Test Your Knowledge

1. It's safe to use a cell phone, but don't keep it in a pocket directly over your pacemaker or ICD.

1. True.
2. False.

2. You need to carry an ICD or pacemaker ID card with you at all times. The card should include manufacturer information and the model number.

1. True.
2. False.

3. A heartbeat that is very fast or slow, skipping, or fluttering may be a sign that your pacemaker or ICD is not working right.

1. True.
2. False.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: June 18, 2009
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine John M. Miller, MD - Electrophysiology
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