As with any medical or surgical procedure, getting a pacemaker has risks as well as benefits.
Some of the main risks are:
- blood clots
- infection
- air leak
- problems with the pacemaker
Emergency action required: Contact your GP or cardiologist as soon as possible if
you develop signs of a complication, including:
- shortness of breath
- dizziness
- fainting
- prolonged weakness
- a swollen arm on the side of the pacemaker
- chest pains
- prolonged hiccups
- a high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
- pain, swelling and redness at the site of the pacemaker
Blood clots
About 2% of people who have a pacemaker develop a blood clot. This is usually in the arm on the side where the pacemaker was fitted.
This may cause swelling in the arm. But it usually goes away in a few days. It's rarely a serious problem.
You may be given anticoagulant medication. This stops the clot getting bigger.
Pacemaker infection
Around 1% of people with a pacemaker develop a pacemaker infection. This usually happens within the first year of having the device.
Symptoms of a pacemaker infection include:
- a high temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above
- pain, swelling and redness at the site of the pacemaker
Important
Call your GP or cardiologist as soon as possible if you think you have an infection.
A pacemaker infection is usually treated by antibiotics and surgery. This is to replace the pacemaker.
If an infection is not treated, it could spread to:
- your lungs and cause pneumonia
- the lining of your heart and cause endocarditis
- your blood and cause sepsis
Air leak
There's a risk of the lung being accidentally punctured during the procedure. This means air can leak from the lung into your chest.
This is known as pneumothorax. About 1% of people get it. The leak is usually very small. It gets better on its own and you will not need treatment.
If a lot of air leaks into the chest, this may need to be sucked out. This is done using a needle and a special drain in the chest. If you need a drain, you may need to stay in hospital for a day or two.
Problems with the pacemaker
As with any electronic device, there's a small chance your pacemaker could stop working. This is known as a pacemaker malfunction.
A pacemaker can go wrong if:
- the lead gets pulled out of position
- the battery of the pulse generator fails
- the circuits that control the pacemaker are damaged after being exposed to strong magnetic fields
- the pacemaker hasn't been properly programmed
Signs your pacemaker may have failed include:
- your heart begins beating more slowly or quickly
- dizziness
- hiccups
- fainting or nearly fainting
Urgent advice: Call 112 or 999 or go to your emergency department (ED) if:
- you're concerned your pacemaker has failed
It may be possible to correct a pacemaker remotely using wireless signals or magnets. Otherwise, the pacemaker will need to be removed and replaced.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
