What to watch out for with a pacemaker?

When to Call Your Doctor Have a heart rate that drops below the lowest rate set for your pacemaker. Have symptoms of an abnormal heart rhythm and have been told to call. Notice swelling, redness or drainage from your incisions. Have a fever longer than two or three days.

What are the 3 primary problems that can occur with a pacemaker?

Pacemaker failure has three causes: (1) failure of capture, (2) lead failure, and (3) generator failure. Failure of capture owing to a defect at the level of the myocardium (i.e., the generator continues to fire but no myocardial depolarization takes place) remains the most difficult problem to treat.

What are the most common problems with a pacemaker?

Risks

• Infection near the site in the heart where the device is implanted.
• Swelling, bruising or bleeding at the pacemaker site, especially if you take blood thinners.
• Blood clots (thromboembolism) near the pacemaker site.
• Damage to blood vessels or nerves near the pacemaker.
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

How do you know if your pacemaker needs adjusting?

If a patient isn’t under the regular care of a cardiologist, he or she may experience physical symptoms when a pacemaker fails or requires adjustment….These can include:

1. Dizziness.
2. Shortness of breath.
3. Loss of consciousness.

What are signs of failing pacemaker?

Clinical symptoms of pacemaker malfunction are variable and include syncope, dizziness, palpitations, and slow or fast heart rate. Extracardiac stimulation or hiccough may be present.

What are the disadvantages of pacemaker?

Advantages & Disadvantages of a Pacemaker Advantage: Mimics Natural Actions. The heart has a natural pacemaker that regulates whether the heart is beating too slowly or irregularly. Advantage: Heart Efficiency. Disadvantage: Procedure Risks. Disadvantage: Lifestyle Adjustments.

What is the life expectancy of a person with a pacemaker?

The average life expectancy og pacemaker is about 10 years. Pacemaker can last for 15 years or longer depending on frequency of use and few other factors that may cause unnecessary discharge of electric power.

Why is my pacemaker not working?

The problem is, with rates below fifty, the atrial pacemaker is not working. Usually this is because there is dead tissue (an infarct), however the atrial pacemaker may be destroyed. Your rate indicates you are on the back-up pacemaker site.