Implanted pacemakers are used to control dangerous and often life-threatening heart arrhythmias. Infection is a rare, but serious risk of receiving a pacemaker. All risks and benefits should be discussed with your cardiologist before surgery.
Age and Sex
"Increasing age and female gender were actually protective against infection," Dr Andrew Voigt stated at the Heart Rhythm Society 2006 Scientific Sessions.
Medication
A class of drugs called corticosteroids can lower you immune system and increase your risk of infection. Some of the mostly commonly prescribed are prednisone, decadron and solu-medrol.
Disease
Any disease or medical condition that suppresses your immune system increases your risk of infection. This includes diabetes, renal failure and cancer.
Incision Site
Until the incision is fully healed, bacteria can easily enter the open wound.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common indications of infection include pain, redness or drainage at the site of the incision. Other signs include fever and/or chills, nausea and vomiting. Report any of these symptoms to your surgeon immediately.
Treatment
For a minor infection, your physician may prescribe antibiotics. However, if the infection is more serious, you may need to have the pacer leads replaced or even have the entire device removed.
Tags: immune system, risk infection, your risk, your risk infection
