Pacemaker Programming: Understanding the Process & Limitations

An implanted cardiac pacemaker cannot be programmed by a patient at home or in any other setting. A pacemaker can only be programmed by a technician trained in interrogating indwelling devices using a brand-specific interrogation computer. There is no human interface that makes it possible for a pacemaker patient to program his own device. A pacemaker patient may be asked to send device reports from home using a base station. This is not the same as programming the device. During a telephone pacemaker check, a magnet is used to detect the magnet rate; this also is not the same as programming the device.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone
• Cardiologist's phone number
• Pen or pencil
• Calender
• Appointment
• Car or other mode of travel
• Pacemaker technician

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Instructions

How to Program Your Pacemaker

• 1

  You will need a phone to call from to make a pacemaker check appointment.

  Locate a telephone. Check to see if the telephone is in operating order by either listening for a dial tone or by checking battery life.

• 2

  Dial your cardiologist's phone number carefully so as not to accidently call someone else.

  Dial your cardiologist's phone number. Follow the recorded prompts to reach the appointment desk. If a human being answers the phone, ask if she can make an appointment. If she cannot, ask for the appointment desk.

• 3

  Some people find writing an appointment date in red will help them to remember the approaching visit.

  Ready yourself to record the date and time of the appointment with either a pen or a pencil.

• 4

  A calender will help you remember the date as you will not have an appointment card.

  Write on your appointment calendar the date and time of the office appointment.

• 5

  Now you have to wait until it is time to leave for your appointment.

  Remember to check your calender regularly so as not to forget your appointment.

• 6

  If you do not own a car, public transportation is an acceptable alternative.

  Drive your car or make other arrangements to arrive at your cardiologist's office on the day of your appointment. It is courteous check in about 15 minutes prior to the appointment time.

• 7

  Your pacemaker technician will need to know why you want to have your device programmed.

  Tell your pacemaker technician that you feel your device needs to be reprogrammed. Make certain to include any changes in your general health to aid in a successful programming session.