Permanent Pacemaker – Discharge Advice

You have been fitted with a permanent pacemaker. This leaflet tells you what to expect and who to contact if you have any worries or concerns.

How will I feel after the procedure?

You may feel some soreness over your wound after the implant.  Taking painkillers such as paracetamol should help. Always follow the instructions provided in the leaflet supplied with your tablets.

A dressing has been placed over your wound to keep it clean and dry. A small amount of bleeding is normal. If your wound becomes swollen you should seek advice from the Pacemaker Clinic. (See contact numbers at the end of this leaflet).

You can remove the dressing after 4 days, if your wound appears dry. Your wound can sometimes feel itchy but you should not touch or scratch the area as this might cause an infection.

Unless you have been told otherwise the stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.

Can I move my arm?

You will need to restrict (limit) your arm movements for 4 weeks to avoid any movement of the pacemaker and leads and to allow for full healing to take place.

You should:

• Avoid heavy lifting.

• Not lift your arms above shoulder height for 1 week.

• Consider placing a small cushion or pad under your seatbelt over the area of your pacemaker for 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I wash?

Your wound must be kept dry for 4 days to avoid infection.  You should not shower in this time but you can have a bath or freshen up with a flannel as long as the wound is kept dry.

When can I drive again?

If you drive, you must inform the DVLA that you have a pacemaker. You can inform the DVLA using their website. You must also inform your insurance company you have a pacemaker.

If you hold a normal driving licence, you are not allowed to drive for at least 1 week after your pacemaker is fitted.

If you have a Group 2 licence, for example, vocational, HGV or PSV, the DVLA will advise when you can start driving again. If you are a taxi driver, you need to inform your licencing authority.

What should I do if my wound is not healing?

This is rare, but may mean you have an infection. You should contact the Pacemaker Clinic or your GP as soon as possible, if you have any concerns.

Will I need a follow-up appointment?

Your pacemaker is a complex electronic device. It needs to be checked regularly to make sure it is working properly, and to check the battery life. Your heart condition may change over time and your pacemaker may need to be fine-tuned to these changes. 

Your first check-up will usually be 4 to 6 weeks after your procedure.  Further checks will be arranged at regular intervals (3, 6, or 12 months). You will also be given a European Pacemaker ID card. 

This contains important information about your pacemaker and may be needed in an emergency. You should try and carry it with you, for example, in your purse, wallet or handbag.

Can I play sport now I have a pacemaker?

Yes, sports and light aerobic exercise such as swimming, golf and tennis are fine. However, contact sports such as rugby and boxing are not recommended due to the risk of possible damage to the pacemaker or leads.

Please discuss any concerns with your consultant.

Will my pacemaker be affected by household items?

Pacemakers are not usually affected by household appliances such as microwave ovens, personal stereos, hairdryers or razors. Keep at least 15 centimetres (6 inches) between any electrical equipment and your pacemaker to avoid any interference.

Items containing magnets, for example, some mobile phones, large speaker systems, power tools can be used but should not be positioned close to the pacemaker. 

Please note induction hobs have magnetic fields when they are switched on, you should stay at arm’s length away when using the hob to avoid the pacemaker being affected.

Can I use mobile phones and cordless phones?

Yes, you can continue to use a mobile phone. Phones should not be carried in any pocket over the pacemaker and should be kept at least 15 to 20 centimetres (6 to 8 inches) away from the pacemaker. 

Will airport security systems affect my pacemaker?

Airports deal with pacemaker patients every day. You should carry your pacemaker ID card with you every time you travel by air. The metal detectors used by airport security can interfere with a pacemaker, so you will need to tell security staff in advance. You will either be hand searched by one of the security staff or checked with a handheld metal detector which should not be placed directly over your pacemaker.

Will shop security systems affect my pacemaker?

Shops often have security systems in doorways. Try not to stand too close to this type of security system for long.

Can I use a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine or body toning equipment?

You should avoid using TENS machines and body toning equipment. These use electrical pulses to deliver treatment which can interfere with your pacemaker. Some body toning equipment can be used at or below thigh level, but you should always discuss this with your GP or Pacemaker Clinic first.

Can I use a mobility scooter?

Mobility scooters should not cause any interference with your pacemaker.

Can I use a wireless computer network?

This type of equipment should not cause any interference with pacemakers.

What do I do if I need hospital tests, treatment or a general anaesthetic in the future?

In most cases this should not be a problem. It is important to tell the doctor or healthcare professional you have a pacemaker fitted.  They will be able to get further information from the Pacemaker Clinic, if needed.

Can my pacemaker stop working properly?

It is rare for a pacemaker to break and every device has safety features to prevent sudden failure. If there is a problem this will usually be identified at your routine pacemaker checks. 

If you suspect a problem with your pacemaker, you should contact your local Pacemaker Clinic as soon as possible for advice.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below.

University Hospital of North Tees

Cardiology Day Unit

Telephone: 01429 522020

Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If no reply leave a message or telephone: 01429 522021

(These are Hartlepool codes but you will be diverted to North Tees.) 

Pacemaker Clinic – Cardiac Investigations Unit

Telephone: 01642 624500

Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Non-urgent messages can be left at any time on the answering machine.

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Pacemaker Clinic – Cardiac Investigations Unit

Telephone: 01429 522249

Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Non-urgent messages can be left at any time on the answering machine.

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent that 999)

Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]