Testing and programming of pacemakers
Taking care of your heart safety in the long term. Why is it important to check your pacemaker regularly?
Cardiac pacemaker is a life-sustaining device that helps maintain a stable heart rate. For it to function safely and accurately, regular technical inspection and programming is essential:
- To detect changes in device performance in a timely manner
- To predict and schedule battery replacement
- To make the necessary settings adjustments according to the patient’s state of health
- To ensure the daily safety and peace of the patient
Why choose this examination?
Unlike one-time blood pressure measurements, 24-hour monitoring allows you to get a detailed picture of your blood pressure rate at different times of day. This method allows the physician to determine:
- hidden hypertension (when elevation occurs only at certain times of the day),
- reaction of changes in blood pressure to stress or load,
- the effectiveness of medicinal products,
- asymptomatic episodes that the patient does not feel for themselves.
How often should the test be carried out?
- First test approximately 2 years after implantation
- Thereafter – 1 per year unless otherwise determined by the doctor
Regular monitoring is required throughout life for the device to work according to the individual needs of the patient.
How is the test going?
The examination shall be carried out by a physician using a specialised device which connects to the pacemaker and allows:
- to read data on the operation of the device,
- check battery status,
- adjust settings such as heart rate frequency limits,
- detect and prevent interference and possible problem signals.
Each device uses its own programmer that matches the manufacturer (e.g. Medtronic, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, etc.).
Duration of examination
About 30 minutes
Preparation
No special preparation is required. However: Please take the pacemaker ID card with you. Inform your doctor of any changes in your feeling, medication or previous examinations. If there has been fainting, palpitations, shortness of breath - be sure to mention it during the visit.
Feelings
The procedure is completely painless and non-invasive. No anaesthesia is required, and no injections are given - the patient is sitting or lying all the time.
Results
After testing, your doctor will: - assess the operation of the pacemaker, - provide a conclusion if necessary - adjust the device parameters. Your doctor will also inform you when to perform the next test and whether a battery change or other manipulation is required.
Why take a test at a NeiroMed clinic?
- Accurate verification of certified equipment for cardiac pacemakers of different manufacturers
- Experienced physicians specialising in electrocardiac stimulation
- Collaborating with cardiologists, neurologists and arrhythmologists
- Easy registration and individual approach for each patient