What are the side effects of having a pacemaker?

Hello, I'm a healthcare professional with expertise in cardiology. I can provide you with information on the potential side effects of having a pacemaker. Side effects of having a pacemaker can include: 1. Infection: This is a risk with any surgical procedure where the skin is broken and a foreign object is implanted. 2. Lead displacement: The wires that connect the pacemaker to the heart can move out of position, which may require repositioning or adjustment. 3. Pacemaker syndrome: This is a group of symptoms that can occur if the pacemaker's lower chamber is not functioning properly. 4. Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to the materials used in the pacemaker. 5. Bleeding: This can occur at the site of the incision. 6. Puncture of the heart or blood vessels: This is a rare but serious complication that can happen during the procedure. 7. Damage to the blood vessels or nerves: This can occur during the implantation process. 8. Inappropriate pacing: The pacemaker may not deliver the right amount of pacing or may pace when it's not needed. 9. Device malfunction: The pacemaker or its leads may stop working properly over time. It's important to note that while these are potential side effects, they are not guaranteed to occur. The benefits of a pacemaker often outweigh the risks, especially for individuals with certain heart conditions.

Problems include:Pain, bleeding, or bruising soon after the procedure.Blood clots in your arms, which cause a lot of swelling.Infection in your chest near the pacemaker. An infection might happen about 1 time out of 100. ... Device problems that need another procedure to fix them.