These guidelines describe a general patient experience with pacemaker implantation. Detailed information will be provided by your physician and medical team. The pacemaker implantation is a minor surgical procedure that is performed by a cardiologist. You may be scheduled for the procedure at any time during the day. You will stay overnight in the hospital so that your heart rate can be monitored.

You will receive medication to help you relax during the surgery. Once you are comfortable, the doctor makes an incision to make a "pocket" or pouch just under the skin near your collar bone. Next, the doctor inserts the lead(s) through a vein to your heart. The doctor connects the leads to the pacemaker. He or she puts the pacemaker in the pocket to hold it firmly in place and the incision is closed. Once the leads are connected, the system is checked to make sure it works properly. The surgery typically lasts one to two hours.

The main risks from the implant, as with most surgeries, are bleeding and infection but these occur in less than 1 percent of patients.

You will be awake when you return to your room; however, you may feel drowsy for several hours. You will be connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor to watch your heart and its activity.

By the following morning, you will be up and walking. Every patient's recovery from the surgery is different, so ask your doctor about the expected length of your hospital stay.

A doctor or nurse will provide instructions regarding arm movement, care of the surgical site and the pacemaker device.

Following your release from the hospital, you should report any signs of soreness, swelling or redness near your incisions to your doctor.

Because the pacemaker sits in a pouch under the skin, its outline can often be seen from the outside.

After your pacemaker is implanted, you should return to your normal activity as soon as your doctor gives you permission. You may feel a little tired or sore at first, so build up to your normal routine slowly. Before long you will feel more like yourself.

You will need regular check-ups after you are released from the hospital. Your doctor will let you know how often these check-ups should be. Once your recovery is complete, you should pick up your life where you left off before your surgery. You will need to avoid any contact sports such as wrestling and football.