If you have a pacemaker, you may wonder how long the battery will last. The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the type of pacemaker and the age of the person who has it. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how long pacemaker batteries last and what you can do to make them last longer.
What are the symptoms of a low pacemaker battery?
Symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, or an unusual heartbeat do not establish that a pacemaker battery is low. Battery status is checked by the implant clinic during follow-up or through remote monitoring when used. Keep the schedule provided by your care team and contact them about symptoms or device alerts.
Sources: American Heart Association, Living With Your Pacemaker; American Heart Association, Living With Your Pacemaker.
What happens when the pacemaker battery runs out?
Battery life and replacement timing vary with the device, its programmed settings, and the patient's circumstances. Follow-up checks let the clinic assess battery strength and plan next steps. Ask your implant team about the estimate and replacement timing for your exact device; do not use a general lifespan as a substitute for device follow-up.
Sources: American Heart Association, Living With Your Pacemaker.
What happens if you don't change the pacemaker battery?
Do not postpone a recommended device check or replacement based on a general article. The implant clinic monitors battery status and advises when action is needed for the specific pacemaker and pacing needs. Contact the clinic promptly if you receive an alert or have missed follow-up.
Sources: American Heart Association, Living With Your Pacemaker; Medtronic, How is someone with a heart device alerted when battery starts running low?.
Does a pacemaker beep when the battery is low?
Not every pacemaker uses an audible warning. Alert methods are device-specific; some heart devices, including certain ICD and CRT-D models, may sound a tone, and clinics can monitor device status through follow-up or remote systems. Ask your implant clinic how your model sends alerts. A beep or no beep does not establish battery status.
Sources: American Heart Association, Living With Your Pacemaker; Medtronic, How is someone with a heart device alerted when battery starts running low?.
What kind of battery does a pacemaker use?
Pacemaker battery construction and expected service life are specific to the implanted model. For exact battery chemistry or device details, check the implant card or ask the device clinic or manufacturer. Patients should not try to access or replace an implanted battery themselves; the clinic will explain the appropriate follow-up and replacement process.
Sources: American Heart Association, Living With Your Pacemaker.
How often should a pacemaker be checked?
Your implant clinic sets the follow-up schedule for your device and personal situation. Keep those appointments; checks may be done in person or with remote monitoring when your care team uses it. Ask the clinic if you are unsure when your next check is due.
Sources: American Heart Association, Living With Your Pacemaker.
Some final reminders:
You cannot reliably extend an implanted pacemaker's battery life with lifestyle changes. Keep your device follow-up schedule, follow the clinic's model-specific advice about magnets and electronics, and contact the care team about alerts or concerns. The clinic can check battery status and tell you when replacement planning is appropriate.
Sources: American Heart Association, Living With Your Pacemaker; Medtronic, How is someone with a heart device alerted when battery starts running low?.
