What are the risks of having a pacemaker put in?

Risks

• Infection near the site in the heart where the device is implanted.
• Swelling, bruising or bleeding at the pacemaker site, especially if you take blood thinners.
• Blood clots (thromboembolism) near the pacemaker site.
• Damage to blood vessels or nerves near the pacemaker.
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)

Can a pacemaker shock another person?

Yes. Although implantable pacemakers and defibrillators are designed to withstand external defibrillation, the implanted device can sustain damage if the external defibrillation electrode pads are placed too close to or directly over the device.

Can a pacemaker be removed if not needed?

Although the leads are removed when the pacemaker is no longer needed, the insertion of the leads carries a small risk of infection. There is also a risk that a lead could become dislodged from the right position. Removing the leads carries the risk of infection as well.

What are the signs that you need a pacemaker?

How to tell if you need a pacemaker

• Frequent fainting.
• Inexplicable fatigue (you get enough sleep and stay healthy, yet always feel tired)
• Inability to exercise, even lightly, without getting very winded.
• Frequent dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Heart palpitations or sudden, intense pounding in your chest (without exercise)

Do you give CPR to someone with a pacemaker?

The answer is – yes! You should definitely perform CPR on somebody with a pacemaker. If they are unconscious, it means that there is something very wrong with their heart, or their pacemaker, as well, for that matter.

How does a pacemaker affect death?

Pacing both ventricles is called “cardiac resynchronization therapy or biventricular pacing”. ICDs and pacemakers have helped people live longer. Instead of dying from heart rhythm problems, these patients are now dying from other illnesses such as cancer, lung dis- ease, or heart failure.