Living with a Heart Device

Overview

Many people with an implanted heart device resume their normal daily activities after full recovery from surgery. However, there may be certain situations that your doctor will ask you to avoid. Your doctor or nurse will provide guidance for your particular condition, but these are some general guidelines to follow after your recovery.

As with any medical procedure, there are risks involved in a heart device implant and results may vary. Talk to your doctor about any specific concerns or activities — such as returning to work or participating in exercise or sports — that you may have. After you receive your heart device, you may also still have to take medication as directed and periodically your doctor will need to monitor your device.

Ciara's Story

Watch Ciara discuss her journey to getting an ICD and her life with it since.

For more information about your particular heart device, browse our patient brochures:

pdf Life with a Pacemaker (.pdf) (opens new window)

436KB

(opens new window)

pdf Life with a CRT brochure (.pdf) (opens new window)

604KB

(opens new window)

pdf Life with an ICD brochure (.pdf) (opens new window)

409KB

(opens new window)

pdf Life with a Micra Leadless Pacemaker (.pdf) (opens new window)

588KB

(opens new window)

pdf Answers to Questions about Your Child's Heart Device (.pdf) (opens new window)

1.1MB

Your Child's Heart Device brochure image.

(opens new window)

pdf Electromagnetic compatibility guide (.pdf) (opens new window)

844KB

Guide to electromagnetic compatibility for patients with implanted heart devices

(opens new window)

This flyer helps patients understand what they can do when they have an implantable device and drive an electric car.

Download the electric car flyer(opens new window)

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.