A pacemaker is a battery-operated medical device that is used to treat arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). It is implanted under the skin of the chest and sends electrical impulses to the heart muscle.

Pacemaker implantation is a minor surgical procedure and takes between 1 – 2 hours.

You might experience slight pain or discomfort during the initial 2 days after the pacemaker insertion. However, you will be given pain relief medications after the pacemaker is fitted.

Exercise is essential to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is always recommended to take advice from your doctor before you return to your regular exercises after pacemaker implantation.

You should be cautious when you have to go through a metal detector at security checkpoints. Your pacemaker would set off the alarm in the security check machinery when you pass through it.

You need to change the pacemaker battery when the battery wears off after a certain period of time. Most of the pacemaker batteries last anywhere between 5 to 10 years.

Some of the common indications to notice that it is time to change the pacemaker battery are continuous hiccups, pain and swelling at the implantation site, and twitching of your chest muscles.

Headphones should be kept away from the pacemaker implanted side as they might contain the magnetic substances. Do not put such devices in your shirt or jacket pocket to the same side where your pacemaker is implanted.

You will be able to continue most of the regular activities and sports after pacemaker implantation. However, it is suggestible to avoid strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks after pacemaker implantation.

Your pacemaker will be checked after 6 weeks of implantation. Later, it should be checked every 6 months to 1 year to see its functioning and battery life.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) or coronary bypass surgery is recommended when there is a narrowed or triple vessel disease.

Not everyone is eligible for minimally invasive heart surgery, your doctor will examine you and tell if your problem can be treated by a minimally invasive method

You will be discharged from the hospital after three to five days of the surgery.

You will probably take anywhere between 6 to 12 weeks to recover from bypass surgery. However, the recovery time can also be based on the health condition of an individual.

Some of the common side effects of bypass surgery are constipation, swelling at the place where the blood vessel is removed, back pain, difficulty sleeping, and mood swings.

After bypass surgery, you should avoid foods that are high in fat and cholesterol. Some of them are whole milk, butter, cheese, cream, high-fat meats, and desserts.

As driving involves twisting your hand while turning the steering of your vehicle, it is advised to avoid driving a vehicle for at least 4 to 6 weeks after bypass surgery.

The incision near the chest area can cause pain in the chest, upper back, and shoulders. However, the pain eases within 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery.