Does a pacemaker shorten your life expectancy?

If your pacemaker fails, you are at increased risk of stroke and heart failure . The risk of stroke for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) increases by five times. The risk of death-related to cardiac problems doubles. Therefore, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.

Having a pacemaker should not significantly alter or disrupt your life . As long as you follow a few simple precautions and follow your healthcare provider’s schedule for periodic follow-up, your pacemaker should not noticeably impact your lifestyle in any negative way.5 Eyl 2021

The longest working pacemaker (present day) is 37 years 281 days and was achieved by Stephen Peech (UK), as of 7 June 2021. The pacemaker was implanted on 29th September 1983, at Killingbeck Hospital which now no longer exists. As of achieving the record, Stephen is 75 years of age.