Page 5 - about pacemakers

pacemaker is implanted because the body will problematic equipment is something
®
have more energy. As for Viagra —or any that the patient cannot avoid,
other drug—people should consult their a physician can tell the
doctors as to whether it’s appropriate for patient what to do or
them, and whether there are any potential contact the device
interactions with cardiac drugs they may be manufacturer for
taking. guidance. Most
pacemaker
Q: Are there any diet restrictions? manufacturers
have engineers
A: For overall heart health, doctors
who can determine
recommend following a diet that’s low in
if the electrical field
sodium, fat, and sugar, and high in fiber
generated by the
and carbohydrates.
equipment can interfere
Q: Do pacemaker patients have to stay away with the pacemaker.
from things like magnets, microwaves, and
strobe lights? Q: Can pacemaker patients use cell phones?
A: Cellular phones, which send
A: Pacemakers cannot be
electromagnetic signals, can interfere with
damaged by using
proper pacemaker operation. However,
properly operating
simple precautions—such as not carrying
household
the phone in a breast pocket over the
appliances, such as
pacemaker and holding it to the ear that is
microwave ovens,
farthest from the pacemaker—minimize the
electric blankets,
risk. Also, some pacemaker manufacturers
and most power
put special filters in their pacemakers to
tools. Using electric
prevent cell phone interference.
arc welders or
working on automobile Q: Can pacemakers set off airport security
ignition systems also will not and interfere with
damage pacemakers; however, there is a aviation navigation
possibility that they may briefly interfere equipment?
with proper pacemaker operation. Some
medical equipment also may interfere with A: Pacemaker
the function of the pacemaker. If a patient recipients can
becomes lightheaded or feels palpitations travel without
(rapid, irregular heartbeats), he or she restrictions.
should simply turn the device off or walk Pacemakers do not
away from it, and normal pacemaker prohibit them from
operation should resume. If using the traveling, nor do they
interfere with aviation