How to take care of oneself after being discharged from the hospital and returning home after installing a permanent pacemaker? Next, let's learn together what a pacemaker is? What are the principles of action and indications? What should be noted for home care after permanent pacemaker implantation surgery?
1、 What is a permanent pacemaker? A permanent pacemaker is an electronic device implanted in the body to treat heart disease. It can emit electrical pulses powered by batteries, stimulate the myocardium in contact with the electrode through the conduction of wire electrodes, and excite and contract the heart. The pacing system includes a pulse generator and electrode leads. The pulse generator is a cardiac pacemaker, which can transmit the pulses emitted by the pacemaker to the myocardium for pacing, and can also transmit the electrical activity of the heart back to the pacemaker.
2、 The working principle and indications of a cardiac pacemaker
The working principle of a cardiac pacemaker is to connect the pacing electrode lead to the heart chamber, input the program group according to individual needs, and emit electrical pulses to drive the heartbeat. Suitable for bradycardia, bradycardia, and other conditions where bradycardia can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and darkening of the eyes. A dynamic electrocardiogram should be performed in a timely manner to determine the 24-hour heart rate and rhythm. If necessary, a pacemaker should be used for treatment. Slow cardiac arrhythmia includes sinus bradycardia, conduction block, ventricular autonomous rhythm, etc. If there is paroxysmal dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, blackening of the eyes, electrocardiogram and cardiac ultrasound examination should be performed, and pacemaker treatment should be given.
3、 How to self manage at home
(1) Prevent infection
Observe the skin condition at the wound site to avoid external impact. A wound that has healed normally should have the same temperature and color as the surrounding skin. If there is redness, swelling, heat, or pain at the wound site, we should be alert to whether the wound has been infected and seek medical attention promptly. Women who have installed permanent pacemakers should avoid wearing steel bras.
（2） Persist in taking medication
Actively treat the primary disease of the heart, follow the doctor's advice to take medication, and cannot stop or increase the dosage without authorization.
（3） Exercise
After installing a pacemaker, in order to fix the electrode, it is best not to raise the arm on the side where the pacemaker is implanted for 1-2 weeks, but the arm can be slightly moved. After 2 months of electrode implantation, it can be stably fixed. At this time, it is better to choose exercises such as walking, golf, and gateball, and avoid intense exercises such as marathons and race walking, as well as push ups or horizontal bar exercises near the pacemaker implantation site.
（4） Life and Work
After permanent pacemaker implantation, patients can live and work like ordinary people, but they need to have a pulse rate of 5 beats per minute lower than the set pacing rate during quiet (morning) hours every day, and seek medical attention in a timely manner. Due to the fact that pacemakers are like miniature and sophisticated computers, they are subject to external electric or magnetic fields in daily life. Patients should pay attention to: ① Stay away from places with strong magnetic fields, such as radio and television transmission stations, radar areas, high-voltage equipment, etc;
② Do not place magnetic objects near the site where the pacemaker is implanted;
③ When undergoing physical examinations in the hospital, such as MRI, ultrasound, magnetic therapy, shock lithotripsy, etc., it is necessary to inform the doctor that a pacemaker has been installed;
④ Do not lean against the anti-theft doors of the store or the security check system at the airport. Please pass at a normal speed and try to carry a pacemaker implant card with you as much as possible;
⑤ Upon seeing the sign prohibiting individuals from wearing pacemakers from approaching, consciously stay away.
（5） Diet
In order to achieve comprehensive heart health, doctors recommend that you adopt a low sodium, low-fat, low sugar, high fiber, and high carbohydrate diet. It is recommended to minimize the use of pickled foods, canned foods, animal offal, and other foods. Fresh vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils, and miscellaneous grains can be used instead.
（6） Regular Follow up
Follow up once in the first and third month after pacemaker implantation, and then every 6-12 months thereafter.
Approaching the battery depletion period: Follow up once every 1-2 months.
The above is the science popularization knowledge sharing about home pacemaker care in this issue. In addition to daily care, remember to have regular follow-up check ups.