We sometimes forget that our hearts are not just made for falling in love, but to keep us alive and healthy, too. Everyone knows the secret to a healthy and strong heart lies in positive changes in lifestyle, a balanced diet and regular exercise. But then, how many times have we applied this knowledge to real life?
For example, we understand that eating junk food isn’t the best for our health, but we still go ahead and dig into that bucket of fried chicken, don’t we?
Over the past few years, heart disease has seemed to exceed all the boundaries. Uncontrollable risk factors like diet, physical inactivity and stress largely can contribute to heart disease. Surprisingly, heart disease has become very common among the age group of 25-35 years as well. At times, some cases of heart disease may require a pacemaker to help assist their heart.
Therefore, making it even more important for us to take care of our bodies. Recovering from a pacemaker surgery can be hard, but not impossible.
So, don’t worry, we have just the right tips for you to follow or share.
What’s a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a battery-operated device, which indicates when the heart is beating very slowly or irregularly. The device helps in managing and monitoring your heart’s rhythm. There are many unchangeable factors such as age, hereditary history, or gender, being mainly responsible for heart disease.
Fully recovering from a pacemaker surgery can take up to a few days to a couple of few months if post-care is taken properly. Therefore, it is very important to discuss with your doctor prior and post surgery, to learn what is best for your heart and health.
Learning the right way to take care of your pacemaker is very crucial, as it is now a part of you.
As the device is operated using a battery, it is bound to slow down, when it is wearing out over a period. These tips can help indicate any warning signs to save our or someone else’s life. Here are a few pointers to avoid any emergencies.
Your pacemaker maintenance
- A special analyzer is used by your doctor to indicate the first warning of low battery before any changes are discovered by yourself.
- Sudden or major slowing down of heart rate (which you may detect) indicates a problem and requires the immediate medical assistance.
- Adjusting your body with a pacemaker requires patients to make lifelong lifestyle changes post recovery for healthy changes. It is very important to follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid adding any stress to the body.
When should you call your doctor?
- Difficulty while breathing.
- Weight gain or your legs and ankles tend to swell.
- Frequent fainting or dizziness experienced.
- Pulse rate suddenly slows down and drops below the normal heart rate or increases in its speed.
- Your pacemaker is installed for a fast-slow type of heartbeat when your pulse is faster.
It is paramount to keep your doctor updated of any signs which might cause any stress to the heart. Timely check-ups are key to a successful and positive recovery post a pacemaker procedure. Discussing your heart’s health and recovery process with your heart specialist will not only keep trouble out of your way, but you may also be able to save someone’s life. Therefore, being safe than sorry is always a good thing.
Things to know and Avoid:
- Avoid any activity which involves heavy lifting or requires you to move a lot
- Avoid wearing any tight-fitting clothing, that could irritate the skin over your pacemaker.
- Try and avoid rubbing the area with anything around your pacemaker.
- Avoid any magnetic object from being too close to your device.
It is crucial for the patient to follow the doctor’s advice prior and post-procedure, to avoid any issues from recurring.
Recovery tips:
- Important to consult the doctor, and follow up with check-ups regularly.
- Follow the course of medicines as advised by your doctor.
- Walking, exercising, and bathing, as advised by the doctor.
- Exercise and a balanced diet should be equally practised to maintain a healthy and strong heart.
- Consult your doctor, to learn if it is safe for you to take part in any activity, which can cause the body stress or harm; as losing consciousness, driving, swimming or even climbing a ladder.
As your heart and body recover from a pacemaker surgery, you are slowly allowed to resume your daily life, but without exerting the body and causing it stress. Aftercare should be taken seriously prior and post-procedure, to achieve the best results and maintain a healthy heart.
A healthy lifestyle and exercise can help you tremendously pace with your pacemaker.
About the Hospital:
Sri Sri Holistic Hospital is a leading 100 bedded multi-speciality hospital in Nizampet, Kukatpally, Hyderabad. Sri Sri Holistic Hospital provides high standards of healthcare with a combination of advanced technology and state of art clinical expertise. With more than 52 Internationally experienced doctors and 400+ staff, we served at least 50,000 patients so far.
