What should I do now?
Call 911
Call 911 for fainting, chest pressure, severe trouble breathing, or severe dizziness that makes you feel you may pass out. Do not drive yourself.
Contact your care team
Contact your care team for new dizziness, unusual fatigue, near-fainting, or a drop in activity. Report device-site concerns promptly after implantation.
Keep your care plan
Keep your treatment and follow-up plan. Bring questions, readings, and your medication list.
SECTION 5
Living with a slow heartbeat or heart block
Many people can remain active and enjoy their usual activities with the right treatment and follow-up. Your care plan depends on your electrical problem and whether you need a pacemaker.
If you do not need a pacemaker
Keep your follow-up appointments and report new dizziness, unusual fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, or near-fainting.
Some electrical problems can change over time. Your clinician may repeat an EKG or heart monitor to reassess your rhythm.
If you have a pacemaker
A pacemaker supports your heart’s electrical system. It does not repair the underlying conduction problem, so ongoing care remains important.
After implantation, follow your team’s instructions for wound care, lifting, arm movement, and returning to exercise. Recovery instructions differ between chest-based and leadless devices.
Once you have healed and your clinician has cleared you, many everyday activities can resume.
Keep your device checks
Device checks assess the battery, pacing function, and leads when present. Your team can also adjust settings to better support your needs.
If remote monitoring is prescribed, complete enrollment and keep your monitor or app connected as instructed. Remote monitoring does not replace emergency care.
Carry your pacemaker identification card and tell healthcare professionals about your device before procedures or imaging tests.
Pay attention to symptoms
Contact your care team if symptoms return or your usual activity becomes more difficult.
Call 911 for fainting, chest pain or pressure, severe shortness of breath, or severe dizziness that makes you feel you may pass out. Do not drive yourself.
The key idea: Treatment and regular follow-up help you live safely and confidently with your heart’s electrical condition.
Updated October 2026. Educational information; your own care plan may differ. Heart illustrations are simplified for teaching.