Frequently Asked Questions – Getting a Pacemaker

If your doctor has advised you that a heart device (pacemaker) is the best course of treatment for your slow heartbeat (bradycardia), you may have a variety of questions and concerns.

Here are some common topics of interest to individuals considering an implantable heart device:

What should I expect during pacemaker therapy surgery?

The procedure to implant a pacemaker is typically done under local anaesthesia. It does not require open-heart surgery, and most people go home within 24 hours.

Your doctor will provide more detailed information, but most individuals can expect to gradually return to their everyday activities shortly after the procedure.

Will the device affect my appearance?

Sometimes individuals wonder if there will be a noticeable bulge where the heart device was implanted. In general and if there have been no complications such as infection, you may notice a slight bump under your skin where your pacemaker is located.

Will I have to change my lifestyle?

An implantable heart device allows many individuals to participate in the activities they enjoy. Your doctor will have more information on activities you may need to avoid, but people typically resume their normal daily activities after full recovery from surgery, provided there have been no complications pre-, during or post-surgery.

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• About Pacemakers
• What Is It?
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