Heart Problems: Living With a Pacemaker Introduction Back to top
A pacemaker keeps your heart from beating too slowly. It's
important to know how this device works and how to keep it
working right. Learning a few important facts about pacemakers
can help you get the best results from your device. You may have
a device that combines a pacemaker and an implantable
cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which can shock your heart
back to a normal rhythm. For more information on ICDs, see Heart
Problems: Living With an ICD. - Avoid strong magnetic and
electrical fields. These can keep your device from working
right. - Most office equipment and home appliances are safe to
use. Learn which things you should use with caution and which
you should stay away from. - Be sure that any doctor, dentist,
or other health professional you see knows that you have a
pacemaker. - Always carry a card in your wallet that tells what
kind of device you have. Wear medical alert jewelry that says
you have a pacemaker. - Have your pacemaker