A pacemaker is an electronic device intended for cardiac stimulation, when there are problems in the normal stimulation of the heart. The objective of its implantation is to make the patient’s heart beat normally again.
According to the latest report published in 2022 by the (), in 2021, 38,893 pacemakers were implanted in Spain, which represents an increase of 8.3% compared to the previous year.
The mean age of patients who receive this device is 79.8 years, with more than 50% of the devices implanted in people over 80 years of age.
Another piece of information extracted from this report is that the patients who wear this type of device the most are men, 59.7% compared to 41.3% in women.
How is a pacemaker implanted?
As explained by the Spanish Society of Cardiology, the implantation of a pacemaker is a simple procedure. The generator is first placed under the skin near one of the clavicles. Wires connected to this device are then passed through a vein to the heart.
In this way, “when the pulse is slower than normal, the generator detects it and produces electrical impulses that are transmitted through the cables to the heart, avoiding this abnormal situation and recovering an appropriate heart rate,” the specialists explain. And while all this is happening, the patient does not feel any kind of discomfort or sensation.
In addition to this type of pacemaker, there are others that do not even have cables. We are talking about very small devices, 2.5 cm long and 7 mm in diameter, which are inserted directly into the heart through a femoral catheter.
Can I lead a normal life if I have a pacemaker?
Once the pacemaker is implanted, the patient will need a very brief recovery, after which they will be able to lead a normal life. And it is that cardiologists recommend that once this device is installed, the patient should forget that he is wearing it, except when going to cardiological check-ups or when he must start some treatment.
Despite this, specialists from the Spanish Society of Cardiology together with the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products have prepared a guide to answer some questions that may arise among pacemaker carriers.
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Can I continue practicing sport? Of course. There is no impediment when making any type of . Although, “as a precaution, it is advisable not to practice sports in which you can receive blows on the pacemaker such as football, martial arts, etc.”.
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Can I put weight on the area where the pacemaker is? If you have had a leaded pacemaker implanted, the generator will be at the level of your clavicle. And although the device is usually installed on the opposite side to the dominant one (to the left if you are right-handed and to the right if you are left-handed), it is best that this area is always covered with clothing and avoided “if you are carrying a bag anyone, that the straps press on the pacemaker if its weight is important ”.
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Can I travel in any transport? Yes, without problem. You just have to keep in mind that to drive vehicles with a type B permit you have to wait two weeks after the pacemaker is placed, “and we must have a positive medical report every three years to achieve renewal.” In the case of drivers of vehicles with a type “C” permit or higher who have a pacemaker, they should know that they will be able to get back behind the wheel “four weeks after the implant and will require a renewal, with a positive report, every two years” .
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Is there a problem in wearing the seat belt? Yeah. It is mandatory and essential. In the event that its use causes discomfort in the area of the pacemaker, a specialist should be consulted.
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Can I sunbathe? Yes, but, as for any person, with caution. In this case, in addition to avoiding skin problems, because if the exposure is very prolonged “the metal that surrounds the pacemaker could overheat and produce an internal burn.”
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Can they be had normally? Yeah. In addition, in the case of women with pacemakers, it is possible that they become “pregnant and give birth without any problem.”
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Do I have to have a special diet? No. The diet should always be healthy. What can happen is that the doctor gives you a diet if the pathology you suffer from requires it, but not because of the pacemaker.
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Should I be careful with some medications? In principle, not if we are talking about common drugs such as analgesics, antibiotics, cough syrups, etc. “When it comes to medicines for the heart, your cardiologist or cardiologist should know that you have a pacemaker and in most cases you will not have any problems either,” the specialists conclude.