Electric blanket?

[kefalonia1]

Hi gang, can you tell me if l can use a electric blanket with a mechanical aortic valve, normal pacemaker and on lifelong warfarin. There are so many conflicting results, l live in the country and it gets really cold. Please will BHF ADMIN reply to my post also. Many thanks, Sue.

[Fortepiano]

I googled 'electric blanket pacemaker nhs' and every nhs trust says it's fine to use an electric blanket with a pacemaker.

I can't see any way a mechanical valve and warfarin could interact at all with an electric blanket. Stay warm!

The BHF community guidelines say "If you'd like a response from a BHF admin or nurse, tag your post as 'Ask the BHF' and someone will respond as soon as they can."

I've never done this but tagging probably works better to get a response than just having it in the post.

[kefalonia1 in reply to Fortepiano]

Thanks so much for your reply it is very helpful, warfarin makes you feel cold a lot because it thins the blood. Now l will be all toasty!! Sue x

[Mary_Janet]

Hi Sue

As you may remember I am in a similar position to you and can concur with the being cold all the time aside from the the joys of menopausal flushes. I have used beds with electric blankets on them and not even thought about it being a risk.....I have been fine and cosy.

I have become a wearer of light weight long sleeve thermal t shirts and thermal socks both which I have purchased from M &S.

Keep cosy

Mary

[kefalonia1 in reply to Mary_Janet]

Great advice as usual, thanks for your reply Mary J, l will think about buying some for the winter. My electric blanket has been ordered today so l will probably roast soon. Take care, Sue x

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Some people with heart issues also suffer from PAD (narrowing of arteries mainly in legs and, occasionally, arms). This can also cause nerve damage. It is more prevalent amongst diabetics and/or smokers. It is recommended that if you suffer from PAD (peripheral arterial disease) you do not use an electric blanket or hit water bottle.

[kefalonia1 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thanks Michael for your reply, thankfully l have never suffered from PAD l don't smoke and am not diabetic so hopefully l will be OK. Take care, Sue.