Pacemaker: What are the warning signs?

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The warning signs of a pacemaker can alert the individual to possible complications or failure of the device. Pacemakers are small-sized devices that are implanted into the upper chest.

The device monitors the cardiac function of the individual and if needed, produce an electrical signal that stabilizes an arrhythmia. The warning signs might be symptomatic of software or hardware failure or can signal normal device maintenance.

Close look on the warning signs of issues in a pacemaker

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath, chest pain and cough are indications of a collapsed lung. This is a complication that is generally discovered during the implantation surgery of the device, but it is likely for a screw to loosen and puncture the right atrial wall.

pacemaker
Shortness of breath, chest pain and cough are indications of a collapsed lung.

Skin irritation

Skin redness, fever, pus and swelling at the site of the incision are indications of an infection. An infection can develop several days to weeks after the surgery. Generally, infections are treated using antibiotics but in serious cases such as sepsis, it necessitates the removal and replacement of the pacemaker.

A pocket infection can develop in the site where the pacemaker has been placed under the skin or near one of the leads. This infection requires the removal of the device.

Abdominal pain

In rare instances, a pacemaker can move from the site of placement to other parts of the body. Abdominal pain is one of the indications of the movement of the device. Other signs include shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and dizziness.

Remember that these symptoms are brought about by excess fluid around the heart or pericardial effusion.

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