The Saturday Evening Post » pacemaker

Pacemaker is Uncomfortable

Post Editors — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 05:01:07 +0000

Q: My pacemaker stands out more than other ladies’ pacemakers and causes me pain. Guess I just have to be happy I’m not passing out anymore.

A: The pacemaker or its wires may stand out due to your having little body fat or because of where the pacemaker was implanted. I would not worry about it as long as the skin over the wires and the pacemaker does not get red and sore and the area does not get rubbed or bumped often. While the implant can
be revised and buried deeper, it is best to “leave well enough alone.” Any revision carries some risk, particularly of infection. So avoid that if possible. The best news is that the pacemaker is preventing your passing-out spells.

Pacemaker is Uncomfortable The Saturday Evening Post

Pacemaker Safety

Dr. Zipes — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:00:29 +0000

To Eloise in Colorado: There is no known risk to your pacemaker or you when using a heating pad that is in good working condition and applied as intended.

Pacemaker Safety The Saturday Evening Post

Statins and Heart Health

Dr. Zipes — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:00:10 +0000

I’ve read people with heart problems should not use statin drugs. I’m diabetic and on my second pacemaker. Our medical insurance is suggesting that I change from Lipitor to the statin drug simvastatin. Please inform me if this should be done.

On the contrary, statins are routinely taken by people with heart problems to lower elevated lipids. The statin should not affect your pacemaker at all. Simvastatin (Zocor) can be substituted for Lipitor (atorvastatin) as long as you check your lipids to be sure the new drug effectively reduces your cholesterol.

Statins and Heart Health The Saturday Evening Post