If you recently had a pacemaker implanted or are considering that option, you may have asked yourself, “Can I mow the lawn with a pacemaker?” That’s a great question and something to be thinking about – not only to keep your lawn healthy, but you as well!
Read on to get an answer to that question and more!
Can You Mow the Lawn with a Pacemaker?
Yes! You can mow the lawn with a pacemaker. But, you need to keep the pacemaker at least 12 inches away from the mower while in use. You want to ensure there is no interference of the pacemaker’s functions from the mower.
Should You Mow the Lawn with a Pacemaker?
Now you know you can mow the lawn with a pacemaker, but should you? That’s a more challenging question to answer since everyone’s situation is unique.
As with anything health-related, before doing something for the first time, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor to ensure there are no health risks for you.
There are a number of considerations or risks to keep in mind when mowing the lawn with a pacemaker.
- According to Boston Scientific, electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the parts within the ignition system of your gas-powered mower may impact how your pacemaker functions. EMI needs to be a consideration for electric mowers as well. Although these impacts are typically temporary, make sure to keep your pacemaker 12 inches away from your mower.
- Depending on the sensitivity of your pacemaker, the vibrations from your lawn mower may impact the rate response of your pacemaker. Therefore, it’s important to monitor your pacemaker’s rate response and make sure it doesn’t go too high.
- If you have a push mower, physical exertion could be a concern.
- Let your body guide you. If you feel uncomfortable or if anything doesn’t feel right, then stop and see how you feel after some rest.
The Safest Way to Mow the Lawn with a Pacemaker
Since motors and vibrations are the biggest risk factors when thinking about mowing the lawn with a pacemaker, is there a way to avoid those? Yes, in fact, there are a few different things to think about.
If you still want to mow your lawn, and not be afraid of something happening to your pacemaker, then a reel mower is a fantastic option. Since you push a reel mower, there is no engine (or electrical power source) creating EMI or vibrations that could affect your pacemaker’s operation.
In addition, a reel mower offers a great way to get those all-important steps in for your fitness tracker (although keep an eye on your rate response and overall exertion level) and your lawn will love it too, since the cut is scissor-like and not a tearing/shredding cut like a rotary blade on a power mower. So your grass can heal faster and remain healthy and strong. Winners all around!
There are some other considerations for safe mowing that may be an option for you depending on your situation and preferences.
- Hire a service to mow your lawn so you don’t have to put yourself at any risk.
- Replace your existing lawn with an artificial turf, which would eliminate the need for any grass cutting or other maintenance at all.
- Consider xeriscaping, which is creating a landscape that minimizes the need for irrigation. In most cases, this would involve using native plants and rocks that don’t require much maintenance as an alternative to having and caring for a lawn.
Advice if You’re Using a Motorized or Ride-on Lawn Mower with a Pacemaker
By now, I know you’re ready to get out there and get cutting. So I want to wrap things up with some final pieces of advice to keep you and your lawn healthy.
Maintain a Twelve Inch Distance Between Pacemaker And Mower
It’s very important to remember to keep a 12-inch distance between your mower and your pacemaker to ensure there is no interference with your pacemaker’s operation.
Minimize Vibrations and Monitor Your Rate Response
This will be different for everyone depending on your mower, your body, and your pacemaker. But make sure you keep an eye on your rate response when you are using your mower to see what kind of impact, if any, your mower’s vibrations have on your pacemaker.
Can I Use A Riding Lawn Mower With A Pacemaker?
Yes, you can! But the considerations are the same as with a push mower. Keep your distance and minimize your vibrations. In this case, because you are sitting on the mower itself, the risk of vibrations impacting your pacemaker is higher. So, if your current riding mower is causing problems, then you may want to consider an electric riding mower, which will reduce vibrations and be a greener alternative. However, the 12-inch rule is still in effect for electric mowers!
Listen To Your Body
Because everyone’s situation is unique, don’t forget to monitor how you actually feel. Most of the time, that tells us everything we need to know. If you feel uncomfortable, or tired, or not right, then stop and rest.
Talk to Your Doctor
Make sure your doctor is on board with you mowing your own lawn. You want everyone to be on the same page here.
Wrap Up
“Can I mow the lawn with a pacemaker?” is a common question for people with pacemakers and one that should definitely be asked before just grabbing your mower and cutting. Now you know the answer, but please heed the warnings.
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