You will be observed in the hospital on a heart monitor for 24 to 48 hours after your pacemaker is inserted. Your cardiologist will discharge you as soon as he is certain that your pacemaker is properly adjusted. You will be given an appointment to be seen in the Florida Heart Group Arrhythmia Clinic in one week. You should follow-up with your regular physician as appointed. Pacemaker checks will be conducted every three months, either in the office or with the telephone transmitter.

DON'T

• Don't take a shower until seen in the arrhythmia clinic in one week.
• Don't lift your arm above your shoulder on the side where the pacemaker is for four weeks.
• Don't lift anything over five pounds with your arm on the side where the pacemaker is for four weeks.
• Don't do any vigorous pushing or pulling (vacuuming) with your arm on the side where the pacemaker is for four weeks.
• Don't do any above the shoulder activities (swimming, tennis, golf) for six weeks.

DO

• Do change the dressing once a day. Take the old dressing off and discard it. Wipe the incision gently with betadine solution and cover it with a sterile gauze pad. Tape the bandage in place.
• Do notify the arrhythmia clinic if you develop a fever, redness or drainage around your pacemaker wound.
• Do carry your pacemaker identification card at all times.
• Do call if you have any questions or problems.
  Phone: 407 / 894-4474 (ext. 465)
  1-800-284-3278 (ext. 465)

Cardiovascular diagnostic and interventional procedures may cause unexpected problems, but serious and life-threatening problems are unusual. Your Florida Heart Group physician will discuss the potential risks and benefits in detail so you can both decide which treatment is best for you.