Today, I was asked whether travel vaccines would interfere with a planned pacemaker implant. I had to check this out. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognise foreign proteins that are part of the virus or bacteria you’re vaccinating against. This shouldn’t affect the way the immune systems abilityto deal with a skin incision orContinue reading “Vaccines before a pacemaker procedure”
Category Archives: Heart Rhythm
Palpitations – should I be worried
Palpitations are one of the commonest things that people come and see me about. I have written a guide with 10 things you need to know before you call the doctor – when you need to worry and when you can relax. Fill in your details below to get your free copy. A palpitation isContinue reading “Palpitations – should I be worried”
When should I use my private insurance?
If you have a condition that needs a treatment but it is not a life-threatening emergency, then you can experience delays in treatment. Private insurance gets you sorted quicker and frees capacity for other people.
The importance of CPR
Seeing Christian Eriksen collapse on the pitch during the Euro 2020 football match was a shock. I’ve refrained on posting about him until we knew he was ok, but I think this does have important lessons to share. It’s fantastic that he has made a recovery and has made it home. This shows you howContinue reading “The importance of CPR”
If I have an AF ablation without insurance, why is it so expensive?
So you’ve got Atrial fibrillation (AF) and you’ve considered your options for treatment – a lifestyle approach, medications, or an ablation. You’ve decided that the best solution for you is an AF ablation. You may be having this paid for by insurance, but more and more patients are saving on insurance premiums and deciding toContinue reading “If I have an AF ablation without insurance, why is it so expensive?”
Can I use an induction hob if I have a pacemaker?
It is safe to use and induction hob with a pacemaker, but there are things that are worth knowing about. Read more for details.
Are Heart Rate Monitors Accurate?
Some wrist monitors are better than others. The Apple Watch and Polar watches are pretty accurate at picking up SVT’s, Garmin and Fitbit less so.
After an ablation
After an ablation – what to expect – driving / exercise / how will I feel?
Driving and the heart
DVLA rules for heart conditions for ordinary car drivers. Ablations, pacemakers, defibrillators, heart attacks and fainting aka transient loss of consciousness TLOC aka syncope
Medicines for rhythm problems
There are lots of medicines out there for heart rhythm issues. The first line that are beta blockers (eg bisoprolol) or calcium channel antagonists (eg diltiazem). These generally slow the heart and can reduce extra beats, but aren’t very good at keeping you in a normal rhythm. Anti-arrhythmic drugs can keep you in a normalContinue reading “Medicines for rhythm problems”