First of two parts

Q. Will sex mess up my pacemaker?

Only if powerful magnets are involved.

Seriously, your pacemaker is usually safe.

Modern pacemakers are stable devices. But there are still some precautions you should take if you’ve had one of these miraculous gizmos implanted in your chest.

The following could be problems:

* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a no-no if you have a pacemaker. In fact, any procedure that exposes you to electromagnetic energy is a problem. These procedures include therapeutic radiation, shockwave lithotripsy that breaks up large kidney stones and electrocautery to control bleeding during surgery.

* Metal detectors at airports don’t interfere with pacemakers when you pass through them briefly. However, you should not hang around them for a long time or lean against them. And, if security personnel want to use a hand-held metal detector, ask them to avoid your pacemaker, or ask for an alternate form of search.

* Power machines are dangerous. Stand at least two feet away from arc-welding equipment, high-voltage transformers and motor-generator systems.

* Anti-theft systems. An anti-theft system is unlikely to cause clinically significant symptoms in most people with pacemakers, but they shouldn’t stay near one longer than necessary.

* Short-wave or microwave diathermy uses high-frequency, high-intensity signals. These may interfere with a pacemaker.

* MP3 player headphones. Earbud and clip-on types of headphones can cause interference. Keep your headphones at least 1.2 inches away from your pacemaker. Bluetooth® headsets do not appear to interfere with pacemakers.

Modern pacemakers have built-in protection from most types of interference produced by everyday electrical appliances. The following don’t create problems and you shouldn’t worry about being around them if you have a pacemaker:

Microwave ovens, televisions and their remote controls, dental equipment, radios, toasters, electric blankets, CB radios, heating pads, stereos, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, gardening machinery, electric shavers, food processors, computers, copy machines and shop tools.

How about cell phones? I found a variety of opinions on this. Some sources say cell phones are harmless. However, others insist that you shouldn’t put your cell directly over your pacemaker because it’s possible that the pacemaker could misinterpret a phone signal, withhold pacing and make you feel tired.

Newer cell phones that use new frequencies might make pacemakers less reliable. This subject is being researched by cell phone companies. The old cliche is appropriate: better safe than sorry.

Always inform healthcare professionals that you have a pacemaker before receiving any treatment. And always carry an identification card that informs people that you have a pacemaker.

There are more than 3 million artificial pacemakers in use today. They are devices that help the heart beat in a regular rhythm when its natural pacemaker isn’t working. One of the most common problems requiring a pacemaker is “bradycardia,” a heart rate that’s too slow. This can be brought on by age.

An implanted electronic pacemaker is made up of a pulse generator and leads. The leads are flexible, insulated wires that deliver the electrical pulses to your heart. The pulse generator is a small metal container that houses a battery and the electrical circuitry that regulates the rate of electrical pulses sent to your heart.

Surgery to implant the pacemaker is usually performed under local anesthesia and typically takes less than three hours. The pulse generator is usually implanted under the skin beneath your collarbone. Some models are as small as a quarter.

Next week: Implantable Cardioverter-Cefibrillators (ICDs)

Have a question? Email: fred@healthygeezer.com. Order “How To Be A Healthy Geezer,” 218-page compilation of columns: healthygeezer.com

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2023 Fred Cicetti

The Times News, Inc. and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.