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In Malaysia, heart disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality, with pacemakers playing a critical role in managing heart rhythm disorders. A pacemaker is a small device implanted under the skin to regulate the heartbeat, ensuring that it stays within a healthy range. Despite its life-saving potential, many people hesitate to opt for a pacemaker due to misconceptions surrounding the procedure and its impact on lifestyle.
In today’s world of modern medicine, these myths are outdated, yet they continue to shape public perception and discourage patients from seeking timely treatment. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as chronic fatigue, dizziness, or slow heart rates often delay medical consultation out of fear of pacemaker surgery or concerns about its cost.
Myth 1: Pacemakers are Only for the Elderly
It is a widespread belief that pacemakers are designed exclusively for seniors. However, many younger individuals—such as those born with congenital heart defects or those with arrhythmias—require pacemakers to regulate their heart rhythms.
In Malaysia, heart conditions like bradycardia (slow heartbeat) and sudden cardiac arrests affect not just the elderly but also people in their 30s and 40s. Early intervention with a pacemaker can prevent complications and enable these individuals to live full, healthy lives.
Myth 2: Having a Pacemaker Means a Limited Lifestyle
Many patients fear that having a pacemaker will restrict their ability to live an active lifestyle, but this is no longer true with modern devices. Today’s pacemakers are highly adaptable, automatically adjusting the heart rate based on physical activity levels.
Patients can engage in sports like swimming, jogging, or even hiking. Travelling is also safe, and airport security procedures are designed to accommodate people with pacemakers. In addition, remote monitoring technologies allow patients to check in with their doctors without frequent hospital visits, making it easier to manage daily life.
Myth 3: Pacemaker Surgery is Dangerous and Risky
Although the idea of implanting a pacemaker can sound daunting, the surgery is now a routine, minimally invasive procedure. In most cases, the operation takes 1-2 hours under local anaesthesia, and patients can usually go home within a day. The risks are minimal, with low rates of complications such as infection or bleeding.
Myth 4: Pacemakers Frequently Malfunction
There is a misconception that pacemakers are unreliable and prone to failure. However, modern pacemakers are built with advanced technology that ensures they function reliably for many years. Manufacturers conduct rigorous testing to prevent malfunctions, and pacemakers now include features like self-monitoring diagnostics.
Myth 5: Pacemakers Interfere with Electronic Devices
Household Appliances: Pacemaker manufacturers generally state that no special precautions are needed when using properly functioning common household appliances, such as microwave ovens, televisions, radios, toasters, and electric blankets.
Mobile Phones: Individuals with a pacemaker or defibrillator should be aware that devices with strong magnetic fields (such as certain cellular phones with magnets for wireless charging, like the iPhone 12, or magnetic accessories like specific “smart watches”) can interfere with the device’s functionality if placed very close—within six inches. However, cell phones without strong magnets are unlikely to affect pacemakers or defibrillators.
Book an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
Misinformation about pacemakers can create unnecessary fear and hesitation for those considering or needing this life-saving device. By debunking the 5 common myths about pacemakers, we gain a clearer perspective on how these small but powerful devices function. From the misconception that pacemakers are only for the elderly, to concerns about interference from everyday electronics, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
If you have questions about pacemakers, get in touch with us to book an appointment at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals to receive professional advice to help kickstart your health journey. To make an appointment for health screening, please contact the health screening centre at the Gleneagles Hospitals nearest to you.
