Life with a Pacemaker or ICD | Heart Care Video Series

Intermountain Health
17 Jun 202005:14
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis informative segment offers guidance on post-procedure care for individuals with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter ICD. It emphasizes the importance of incision care, gradual resumption of physical activities, and recognizing signs of infection or device malfunction. The segment also discusses lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding certain electromagnetic fields and carrying a device ID card for emergency information. Regular follow-ups are crucial for device monitoring and potential battery or lead replacements, ensuring a healthy coexistence with the life-saving technology.

Takeaways
  • 🏠 Post-procedure care involves keeping the incision clean and dry, avoiding bathing for the first week, and not lifting the arm above shoulder level.
  • 🛁 Limit physical activity for 6-8 weeks as advised by your doctor to prevent complications with the pacemaker or ICD.
  • 🚫 Be cautious of signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or drainage around the wound, and report these symptoms to your doctor immediately.
  • 🌡️ Contact your healthcare provider if you experience a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, joint pain, or arm stiffness and weakness.
  • 💔 Watch for symptoms indicating potential pacemaker or ICD malfunction, such as fainting, dizziness, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, or swelling in hands and ankles.
  • 🆘 Carry your device ID card at all times for emergency situations to provide crucial information to healthcare providers.
  • 🏃‍♂️ Avoid activities that could impact the device area, such as contact sports or leaning over a running car's engine.
  • 🧲 Stay away from strong electromagnetic fields, including high-intensity power lines and some medical equipment like MRI machines.
  • 📱 Use caution with cell phones and MP3 players, ensuring they are not carried over the pacemaker or ICD and held to the opposite ear during calls.
  • 🛫 Airport screening devices are generally safe for pacemaker and ICD patients, and showing your device ID should resolve any alarms.
  • 🔋 Pacemaker and ICD batteries typically last around five years, with follow-up appointments to check and replace batteries and leads if necessary.
Q & A

  • What should you do to care for your incision after getting a pacemaker or ICD?

    -Keep the incision clean and dry, avoid bathing during the first week, and cover it if you shower for the first few days. Also, keep your arm still and avoid raising it above your shoulder.

  • What are some common short-term physical sensations or conditions after the procedure?

    -You may experience soreness in the collarbone area for a few days and minor swelling of the pocket where the device was inserted for about two to four weeks.

  • What activities should you avoid during the initial recovery period?

    -Avoid lifting heavy objects, driving, and activities that involve raising your arms or could bump the pacemaker. Follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding physical activities.

  • What symptoms should prompt you to call your doctor?

    -Call your doctor if you notice redness, swelling, or drainage around the wound, fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, joint pain, stiffness, weakness in your arm, faintness, dizziness, constant fatigue, very fast or slow heartbeat, swelling in hands or ankles, or persistent hiccups.

  • What should you do if you experience a shock from the ICD?

    -Call your doctor as soon as possible to report the event, as it might indicate the need for device adjustment or other medical attention.

  • Why is it important to carry your device ID card?

    -The device ID card provides crucial information to healthcare providers in an emergency, ensuring they can assist you appropriately without causing harm to your pacemaker or ICD.

  • What precautions should you take regarding electromagnetic fields?

    -Avoid high-intensity power lines, ultrasonic dental cleaners, proximity to MRI machines, leaning over the hood of a running car, and using old, poorly shielded microwaves. Be cautious with cell phones and MP3 players, carrying them away from the device and using them on the opposite ear.

  • What are some common household devices and situations that typically do not interfere with a pacemaker or ICD?

    -Airport screening devices, most small household appliances, and computers are generally safe. Modern cell phones and MP3 players are also typically safe when used correctly.

  • What happens during follow-up appointments for a pacemaker or ICD?

    -During follow-up appointments, your doctor will test the device's function, possibly adjust its settings, and check if the battery needs to be replaced. In some cases, they might be able to monitor the device remotely.

  • What should you do if the leads between your heart and the device become cracked?

    -If the leads become cracked, you will need a procedure to replace them, as this can affect the proper functioning of the pacemaker or ICD.

  • How long does the battery of a pacemaker or ICD typically last?

    -The battery usually lasts around five years, after which it may need to be replaced during a follow-up appointment.

  • What advice should you follow if the instructions in the script differ from what your healthcare provider has told you?

    -If there is a discrepancy, you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider, as their guidance is tailored to your specific medical condition and needs.

Outlines
00:00
🏠 Post-Procedure Care for Pacemaker and ICD Patients

This paragraph discusses the initial care and precautions for individuals who have recently had a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). It emphasizes the importance of keeping the incision clean and dry, avoiding bathing for the first week, and not lifting the arm above the shoulder. It also mentions the expected soreness around the collarbone area and minor swelling at the device insertion site. Patients are advised to be cautious with physical activities, avoid lifting heavy objects, and to contact their doctor if they experience signs of infection or if the pacemaker or ICD seems to be malfunctioning. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, fever, joint pain, dizziness, or changes in heartbeat require immediate medical attention.

05:01
🎶 Closing Remarks on Living with a Pacemaker or ICD

The second paragraph serves as a brief conclusion to the segment, highlighting the importance of taking care of oneself and the heart device. It ends with a musical note, suggesting a positive and hopeful tone for patients as they continue their journey with a pacemaker or ICD.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Pacemaker
A pacemaker is a small medical device that's implanted under the skin to help regulate the heartbeat. It sends electrical impulses to the heart to ensure it beats at a steady pace. In the context of the video, it's crucial for individuals with a pacemaker to understand how to care for themselves post-procedure and what activities to avoid to ensure the device functions correctly.
💡Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a device similar to a pacemaker but with additional capabilities. It monitors the heart rhythm and can deliver an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in case of a dangerous arrhythmia. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding the function and care of an ICD to ensure it can save a life in critical situations.
💡Incision Care
Incision care refers to the post-surgical management of the wound where a medical device, like a pacemaker or ICD, has been implanted. Keeping the incision clean and dry is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. The video provides specific guidance on how to care for the incision, including avoiding bathing and keeping the arm still for a certain period.
💡Physical Activity
Physical activity in the context of the video refers to the exercise and movement that a person with a pacemaker or ICD can engage in. It's important to gradually increase activity levels and to avoid certain actions that could disrupt the device or the healing process. The video outlines restrictions and provides a timeline for resuming normal activities.
💡Signs of Infection
Signs of infection are indicators that the body is fighting harmful bacteria or other pathogens, usually at the site of a wound or incision. In the video, recognizing these signs is crucial for timely medical intervention to prevent complications related to the pacemaker or ICD. Common signs include redness, swelling, and drainage from the wound.
💡Symptoms of Device Malfunction
Symptoms of device malfunction refer to any signs that a pacemaker or ICD is not working as intended. These symptoms can range from joint pain and weakness in the arm to more serious signs like an abnormal heartbeat or chest pain. The video emphasizes the importance of contacting a healthcare provider if these symptoms occur to ensure the device is functioning correctly.
💡Device ID Card
A device ID card is an identification card that provides crucial information about a person's implanted medical device, such as a pacemaker or ICD. It is essential for healthcare providers to have this information in case of an emergency. The video advises always carrying this card and informing healthcare providers about the implanted device.
💡Electromagnetic Fields
Electromagnetic fields are areas of electromagnetic influence produced by electric currents or changes in electric or magnetic fields. In the context of the video, certain strong electromagnetic fields can interfere with the functioning of a pacemaker or ICD. The video provides examples of environments to avoid, such as high-intensity power lines and certain medical equipment.
💡Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up appointments are scheduled meetings with a healthcare provider to monitor a patient's health and the performance of a medical device after surgery or implantation. These appointments are crucial for ensuring the pacemaker or ICD continues to function correctly and for adjusting its settings if necessary. The video mentions that the doctor will check the device and may replace the battery or leads if needed.
💡Battery Life
Battery life refers to the duration that a battery can function before it needs to be replaced. For pacemakers and ICDs, the battery typically lasts around five years. The video highlights the importance of regular check-ups to monitor battery life and replace it if necessary to maintain the device's functionality.
💡Leads
Leads are the electrical wires or catheters that connect the pacemaker or ICD to the heart. They are crucial for the device to function correctly. Over time, these leads can become damaged, requiring a procedure to replace them. The video addresses this possibility and the steps that would be taken if it occurs.
Highlights

Learn how to care for yourself after getting a pacemaker or ICD and gradually increase your activity.

Keep the incision clean and dry; avoid bathing during the first week and cover it while showering for the first few days.

Keep your arm still and avoid raising it above your shoulder to protect the incision area.

Expect soreness around the collarbone area for a few days and minor swelling of the device pocket for up to eight weeks.

Be cautious with physical activities; avoid lifting heavy objects, driving, or activities that could jostle the pacemaker.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of infection or symptoms indicating the pacemaker might not be working correctly.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience a strong shock from the ICD, as this is a life-saving measure but should be reported.

Always carry your device ID card to provide important information to healthcare providers in an emergency.

Inform your regular healthcare providers that you have a pacemaker or ICD.

Avoid contact sports and strong electromagnetic fields that could interfere with your device.

Airport screening devices and small household appliances are generally safe for pacemaker or ICD users.

Your doctor will schedule periodic follow-up appointments to check the ICD or pacemaker and may adjust its settings.

The battery of the device typically lasts around five years, and your doctor will check if it needs to be replaced during follow-ups.

In rare cases, if the leads between the heart and the device become cracked, a procedure to replace them will be necessary.

Follow your healthcare provider's advice if it differs from the instructions provided in the transcript.

Take good care of yourself, your device, and your heart to ensure the best possible outcome and quality of life.

Transcripts

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Related Tags
Cardiac CareImplantable DevicesPost-ProcedureActivity GuidelinesInfection SignsDevice FunctionLifestyle AdjustmentsElectromagnetic FieldsHealthcare AlertsRegular Checkups