As you get back to routine life after pacemaker implantation it’s natural to plan to travel again.

Traveling with a pacemaker is safe so long as you follow some considerations to ensure that the device functions properly. Following are a few instructions that you can follow and suggest to anyone you know who has a pacemaker.

Before any travel plan, the utmost important advice is to discuss travel plans with your doctor in advance, for any special recommendations or precautions that may be required, including any changes in medication.  Always Carry extra supplies and medication. It is reasonable to travel after implantation only after wound healing is complete because any arm movement may hinder this process. However, if necessary, flying is possible 2 days after an uncomplicated procedure.

Remember to always carry the pacemaker identification card or medical alert identification. The pacemaker identification card should be carried at all times and can provide important information about the type of device, its settings, and how it functions.

Pacemaker patients can safely travel by air. Before traveling, check with the airline to understand any security screening procedures they have, as well as any additional measures that may be required. You can request the security personnel at the airport to use a hand-held security wand rather than making you go through the metal detector. Be sure to instruct them that the search must be done quickly and not to hold the wand over their pacemaker for too long because it can temporarily affect your pacemaker.

During your trip, if you plan to indulge in any water sports activities or adventure sports be sure to discuss it with your doctor, as scuba diving is usually avoided because of the risk of underlying arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).

Slowly and steadily, as the implant site heals, you can ease back into normal life.

Happy traveling!