Guide for Pacemaker Patients in Spain – AEMPS Recommendations

Daily Life and General Precautions

Patients with pacemakers can lead normal, active lives, but certain precautions help avoid interference and ensure device function. Key recommendations include:

• Carry your pacemaker identification card at all times, which contains device details and emergency contact information.
• Inform healthcare professionals (dentists, physicians, physiotherapists) about your pacemaker before any procedure.
• Avoid strong direct blows to the implant area; contact sports with high impact risk should be evaluated with your cardiologist.
• Maintain regular follow-up appointments for device checks and battery assessment.

Most household appliances (microwaves, electric blankets, induction cooktops when used normally) do not interfere if kept at a safe distance. Guía para la persona portadora de marcapasos - AEMPS

Electromagnetic Interference Risks

Certain sources may temporarily affect pacemaker function (inhibition, asynchronous pacing, or inappropriate shocks in ICDs):

• High-voltage power lines, arc welding equipment, and large industrial magnets should be avoided or kept at least 60 cm away.
• Mobile phones: Hold on the opposite side of the implant, keep at least 15-30 cm away when in use, and avoid placing in shirt pocket over the device.
• Security systems (airport metal detectors, anti-theft gates): Walk through normally without stopping; inform security staff and present ID card if requested.
• MRI scans: Most modern pacemakers are MRI-conditional; always consult your cardiologist and the implanting center in advance.

Avoid diathermy (shortwave/microwave heat therapy) near the implant site unless specifically approved.

Medical and Dental Procedures

• Dental treatments are generally safe; inform the dentist about your pacemaker.
• Certain procedures require precautions or reprogramming:
  • Electrocautery: Use bipolar if possible; place grounding plate away from implant.
  • Radiation therapy: Shield the device if in the field.
  • Lithotripsy (kidney stone treatment): Usually safe with precautions.
  • TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation): Avoid placing electrodes over or near the implant.

Always consult your cardiologist before elective procedures.

Travel and Lifestyle Advice

• Air travel is safe; inform airport security and present your ID card to avoid hand-held metal detector use over the device.
• Driving: Most patients can resume driving after medical clearance (typically 1 week for single-chamber pacemakers without complications).
• Exercise: Moderate aerobic activities are encouraged; avoid extreme isometric efforts or contact sports unless approved.
• Sexual activity: Generally safe and unrestricted.

When to Seek Medical Help

Contact your cardiologist or go to emergency if you experience:

• Dizziness, fainting, or palpitations.
• Persistent hiccups, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
• Swelling, redness, or pain at the implant site (possible infection).
• Device alarms or unexpected shocks (if ICD).

Regular self-checks of pulse and awareness of symptoms are recommended.

This guide, developed by AEMPS with input from cardiology experts, empowers patients to live confidently with their pacemaker while minimizing risks. Detailed information, including specific device compatibility, is available on the AEMPS dedicated pacemaker patient page. Guía para la persona portadora de marcapasos - AEMPS