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Scientists at Duke University found that patients whose bloodstream was infected with bacteria from pneumonia, skin infections, ulcers or other sources had about a 50 percent chance the infection would later spread to their implanted cardiac device. Damage to a pacemaker, a tool that maintains a regular heartbeat, or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which monitors and sends electric shocks to correct abnormal heart rhythms, can be deadly if not treated soon after they become infected. The …

…in up to 20 percent of pacemakers and 1.3 percent of ICDs. The infection often is difficult to detect, producing abnormal growths, redness or inflammation only 40 percent of the time. Chamis said monitoring for an infection within the body, and helping to determine whether an implanted device should be removed, could be done by administering a blood test. Patients who have received a cardiac device also can watch for symptoms common with bacteria infections such as fever.