Heart pacemakers are small, battery-powered devices that send electrical impulses to regulate abnormal heartbeats, replacing defective natural pacemaker functions. Types include single-chamber, dual-chamber, biventricular (CRT), and wireless/leadless.
Implantation involves minor surgery under local anesthesia, inserting leads via veins and generator under collarbone; wireless via catheter. Recovery: 1-day hospital stay, avoid strenuous activity first month.
Living with: Device adjusts rate automatically; check every 3-6 months (remote possible); battery lasts 5-15 years. Precautions: Keep phones 6 inches away, avoid strong magnets/EMFs (e.g., welding, MRIs without clearance); inform doctors.
Diet (AHA recommendations for heart health): Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish/seafood, low-fat dairy, lean proteins; use non-tropical oils; minimize processed foods, added sugars, salt (≤1,500-2,300mg/day), alcohol. No pacemaker-specific diet; focus on heart-healthy pattern.
Other: Risks include infection, bleeding, clots; updates (as of 2026): Reconditioned pacemakers as safe as new; tiny pacemakers stabilize newborns up to 2 years; avoid tobacco; exercise 150min/week moderate activity.
**Source**- American Heart Association - Healthy Eating
- Mayo Clinic - Pacemaker
- Cleveland Clinic - Pacemaker
- American Heart Association - Living With a Pacemaker
- Johns Hopkins Medicine - Pacemaker Insertion
- NHLBI - Pacemakers
- FDA - Pacemakers
- Heart Rhythm Society - Pacemakers
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