A pacemaker is a small device that helps your heart beat at a healthy rate and rhythm. If your heart beats too slowly, skips beats or has trouble sending electrical signals properly, a pacemaker can help keep it beating regularly.
At Banner Health, our heart specialists use advanced technology to diagnose heart rhythm problems and determine whether a pacemaker is right for you.
A pacemaker is a small battery-powered device that helps control your heartbeat. It sends gentle electrical signals to your heart when needed to help your heart maintain a normal rhythm. Most people cannot feel the electrical impulses the pacemaker sends.
Traditional pacemakers have two main parts:
Your heart has its own electrical system that controls when it beats. Sometimes, that system doesn’t work properly. Your heart may beat too slowly, pause between beats or have difficulty sending electrical signals through the heart.
A pacemaker continuously monitors your heartbeat. If it detects a problem, it sends electrical pulses to prompt your heart to beat at a normal rate. If your heart is beating normally, it simply continues to monitor and allows your heart to beat on its own. It can improve your blood flow and energy levels.
Traditional pacemakers are usually placed under the skin near your collarbone. Some people may be candidates for a leadless pacemaker. These newer models combine the functions of the pulse generator and leads into a single, self-contained device that is placed directly inside the heart.
Your health care provider may recommend a pacemaker if you have symptoms caused by a slow or abnormal heart rhythm. Common conditions treated with a pacemaker include:
Not everyone with a slow heart rate needs a pacemaker. Your health care provider will look at your overall health and activity level to decide if you could benefit from one.
You should talk to your provider or a cardiologist if you have signs that you might need a pacemaker. Common symptoms that can affect your daily life include:
These symptoms can have many causes. Your provider can determine whether a heart rhythm problem is contributing to them.
Doctors, usually specialists in electrophysiology, review your medical history, symptoms, overall activity level and any medications you take.
They may use these tests to check your heart's electrical system:
Wondering if a pacemaker is right for you? Schedule a heart rhythm consultation with a Banner Health provider.
The pacemaker procedure is common and most people return to an active life after the initial recovery period.
Your care team will tell you when to stop eating and drinking and which medications to stop or start taking. You may need lab work or other tests before the surgery.
You’ll receive sedation to help you relax and local anesthesia to numb your skin. Your surgeon makes a small incision near your collarbone and guides the leads into your heart using imaging. The device is then connected, tested and placed in a small pocket under your skin.
The procedure often takes a couple of hours, depending on the type of device and how many leads you need. Most people go home within 24 hours.
Most people recover quickly after their surgery. Your care team will tell you what to expect during pacemaker recovery.
You might go home the same day or stay overnight for monitoring. Before you leave, your team will check the device to make sure it works right. You will need to have someone drive you home from the hospital.
Most people can return to their regular routines within a few days. Your timeline for work and heavy activity will vary based on your job and health. Always check with your doctor before starting new exercises or activities.
Living with a pacemaker doesn't have to limit your life. Modern technology makes it easier to stay active and safe.
Most people return to regular exercise after they heal. You can enjoy walking, gardening and other hobbies. Avoid activities that could lead to a direct blow to your chest near the device.
Most everyday devices like microwaves and computers are safe. Keep cell phones and headphones at least six inches away from your pacemaker. Don't put your phone in a shirt pocket directly over the device. Keep strong magnets, like those in some phone charging cases, away from the implant site.
You can drive and fly safely with a pacemaker. You’ll get a device ID card when you get your pacemaker and you should always carry it with you when you travel.
Notify the security staff that you have a pacemaker before you walk through a metal detector. The metal detector won't harm the device but it may set off the alarm. You can request a hand search instead.
Most newer pacemakers are compatible with MRI. Always tell your medical team, including dentists, that you have a device before you have any test or treatment. They’ll check to see if the equipment is safe for you.
Your doctor will schedule regular office and/or remote checks for your device. With remote monitoring, the device can send information to your health team electronically.
The pacemaker battery life is often between five and 15 years. Replacing the battery is usually a simpler and quicker surgery than the first implant, since it may be possible for the leads to remain in place,
A pacemaker can greatly improve your quality of life. Benefits include:
While risks are rare, it’s important to know about them. Possible issues include:
Banner Health offers expert care for all types of heart rhythm disorders. Our experienced cardiology and electrophysiology teams use advanced technology for diagnosis and treatment. We provide personalized recommendations and long-term follow-up, plus access to other heart care options if you need additional treatment.
Wondering if a pacemaker is right for you? Make an appointment with a Banner Health heart specialist.
No, it’s a minimally invasive procedure that takes about two hours.
Most devices last between five and 15 years before the battery needs to be replaced.
Most people don’t feel the electrical pulses but you might feel the weight of the device at first.
Yes, most people can return to normal exercise once they've healed.
Yes, but keep it six inches away from the device and use the ear on the opposite side.
Many people can drive within a few days but you should discuss your specific timeline with your doctor.
Sign in to Patient Account
