Can you die if you have a pacemaker?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with information regarding pacemakers and their impact on a person's health. Having a pacemaker does not inherently make a person more susceptible to death. In fact, pacemakers are designed to help regulate the heartbeat and can be life-saving for individuals with certain heart conditions. However, like any medical device, there are risks and complications associated with pacemakers. The most common complications include: 1. Infection at the implant site. 2. Lead displacement or fracture (the wire that connects the pacemaker to the heart). 3. Battery depletion, which requires replacement. 4. Electrical interference from other devices. Serious complications are rare but can occur, such as: 1. Perforation of the heart during implantation. 2. Infection that may require the pacemaker to be removed. 3. Erosion through the skin. It's important to note that while a pacemaker can extend and improve the quality of life for many patients, it is not a cure for heart disease. Patients with pacemakers should continue to follow their doctor's advice regarding medications, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups to manage their underlying heart condition.

Once someone stops breathing, his body can no longer get oxygen and the heart muscle will die and stop beating, even with a pacemaker. Therefore, the pacemaker will not prevent death and a patient will die from his terminal illness without turning off the pacemaker.