Conditions

Pacemaker Implantation in London

A pacemaker is a small medical device used to treat slow or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). It helps your heart maintain a safe, steady rhythm, allowing you to feel more energetic and return to everyday activities with confidence.

Dr Omar Ali, an experienced Consultant Cardiologist provides expert pacemaker implantation with excellent outcomes. He will carefully select the most appropriate pacemaker in consultation with you, ensuring it suits your condition, lifestyle, and long-term heart health.

A pacemaker consists of:

  • A pulse generator (a small battery-powered unit)
  • One or more leads (thin wires) that deliver electrical signals to the heart

Pacemaker implantation is usually performed as a day-case procedure under local anaesthetic. An overnight stay can be arranged if you prefer. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Preparing for Pacemaker Implantation

Preparation for pacemaker implantation is usually straightforward.

Before the procedure:

  • Please inform Dr Ali or his team whether you are right- or left-handed, so the pacemaker can be placed on the most suitable side
  • You will be given antibiotics on the day of the procedure to reduce the risk of infection
  • Please tell us about any medication allergies
  • A blood test may be required to check kidney function and inflammation markers
  • If you are taking warfarin, this will usually need to be stopped 3–5 days beforehand
  • Aspirin can usually be continued
  • Your full medication list will be reviewed, and you will be clearly advised on what to take on the day

What Does Pacemaker Implantation Involve?

The procedure is performed in a sterile cardiac procedure room and is designed to be as comfortable as possible.

During the procedure:

  • A small incision is made just below the collarbone (usually on the left side) under local anaesthetic
  • Light sedation can be offered if you feel anxious
  • Pacemaker leads are guided through a vein into the heart
  • The leads are positioned against the heart muscle to monitor and regulate your heartbeat
  • A small pocket is created under the skin or muscle to house the pacemaker
  • The pacemaker is connected to the leads and the wound is closed using dissolvable stitches and medical glue, so no stitches need to be removed

Aftercare and Recovery

  • You will be monitored for a few hours until you feel ready to go home
  • A friend or relative should take you home
  • A final pacemaker check will be carried out
  • A final pacemaker check will be carried out
  • You will receive clear written aftercare instructions
  • Avoid lifting the arm nearest the pacemaker above shoulder height
  • Avoid heavy lifting or pressure on that arm
  • Do not drive during this period

These precautions help ensure the pacemaker leads settle safely in place.

Dr Omar Ali will arrange a follow-up appointment to check the pacemaker settings and ensure the wound is healing well.

Everyday Life with a Pacemaker

Most people find that a pacemaker has little impact on day-to-day life and often improves symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or blackouts.

  • You can safely use most household appliances
  • You can safely use most household appliances
  • Take care around strong magnets and inform airport security that you have a pacemaker
  • Avoid holding metal detectors directly over the pacemaker

Pacemaker batteries typically last 8 to 10 years. The battery level will be checked regularly during follow-up visits, and replacement is planned well in advance. When needed, only the pacemaker box is replaced—the leads usually stay in place.

Private Pacemaker Consultation in London

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If you are experiencing symptoms of a slow or irregular heartbeat, or have been advised to consider a pacemaker, a private consultation with Dr Omar Ali in London can provide clarity, reassurance, and expert care.

What Our Patients Say

  • Highest level of professionalism and competence, extremely pleasant experience from a top expert in the field. It is a pleasure and genuine luck to be visited. Could not recommend enough. Grazie mille ed a presto!
    Davide Bufalini
    @DavideBufalini
  • Very professional and attentive to his patients. Very knowledgeable and also very friendly.
    Stefano E
    @Stefano E
  • Very friendly and welcoming consultation both by the team which carried out my tests, and his admin staff who dealt with my booking and arrangement. Very thorough set of tests.
    Julian Thompson
    @Julian Thompson
  • Welcoming consultation both by the team which carried out my tests, and his admin staff who dealt with my booking and arrangement. Very thorough set of tests.
    Julian Thompson
    @Julian Thompson

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By taking a proactive approach to your heart health, you can reduce your risk of heart failure and maintain your overall health and well-being. Remember, heart failure is a serious medical condition, but with the right care and support, it is possible to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

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