Device longevity depends upon how hard the battery inside the pacemaker has to work. This is affected by how much energy is required to pace the heart and how the system is programmed. Thanks to ongoing research and development, the life of pacemakers continues to increase as their size decreases, making them more comfortable for patients. Today's pacemakers mimic the wide range of lifestyles and activity levels of the people who use them. People who enjoy walking, golfing, or swimming needn't worry.
Physicians can provide patients with pacemakers to meet their individual needs.
The physician decides on the type of pacemaker best suited for a patient, based upon why the pacemaker is needed, the patient's other medical conditions, and how often the heart is likely to need assistance from the device. Typically, pacemaker patients can continue to lead active lives. If they did a certain activity before, more likely than not, they'll be able to continue that activity after pacemaker implantation. In fact, they should be able to participate in most activities, but should check with their physicians, who can advise them of their limits and the signs that appear when exceeding these limits. Common sense is the rule.