Pacemaker Implantation

A pacemaker, also known as an artificial cardiac pacemaker, is an implanted medical device that generates electrical pulses delivered by electrodes to one or more of the chambers of the heart. Each pulse causes the targeted chamber(s) to contract and pump blood, thus regulating the function of the electrical conduction system of the heart.

*Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify with a qualified clinician before treatment.*

After you have your pacemaker fitted, you'll feel tired for the first few days and the left side of your chest will be sore. Follow the instructions from your care team about caring for your wound, showering and dressing. They'll also give you advice about exercising safely and anything to avoid. You'll usually be able to do activities involving gentle movements of your arm within the first few days. But full recovery can take a few weeks or months. #### Do - keep your wound and stitches clean - do some shoulder exercises, as recommended by your care team #### Don't - do not drive for at least the first week - do not carry heavy objects or do vigorous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks - do not lift your elbow above shoulder height for 4 to 6 weeks

*Reference text adapted from NHS UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0.*