Classic City Cardiology, P.C.

Although the heart has its own natural pacemaker that sets its rhythm, the term “pacemaker” most commonly refers to an artificial electronic device that is implanted in the chest to regulate the heart’s rhythm. Generally, pacemakers correct an abnormally slow heartbeat by sending electrical impulses to one or more chambers of the heart. These signals make the heart contract in a more regular rhythm than the chamber would otherwise.
Pacemakers are implanted into the patient’s chest during a minor surgical procedure. A short stay in the hospital may be required, and some patients may need to take medications afterward that help the heart maintain a normal rhythm (antiarrhythmics). Once the pacemaker is in place, it runs on batteries that last for about 5 to 10 years. Pacemaker batteries will not run out unexpectedly. Physicians can detect when the battery is running low during a routine office visit.
Nearly 200,000 pacemakers are implanted annually in the United States. People with pacemakers enjoy significant improvement in their quality of life. However, caution is advised in certain situations. While the risk of a life-threatening problem is small, people with pacemakers are encouraged to:

Avoid walking through a metal detector, or spending any length of time near store security gates or entrances.
Avoid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines and tests.
Hold cell phones at least 6 inches from the pacemaker at all times, even if the phone is turned off. Use and store the cell phone on the side of the body opposite the location of the pacemaker.
Avoid any areas or equipment that generate strong electrical or magnetic fields, such as slot machines, remote-control toys, amusement park rides and attractions, power plants, junk yards that use large magnets, stereo speakers (when held close to the pacemaker), or poorly shielded car engines.
Avoid working on car engines while they are running.