Cardiac specialists recommend new guidelines on caring for people with heart devices

(AP) - A panel of heart specialists says people with implanted pacemakers, defibrillators and other heart devices need to stay in touch with their doctors -- with checkups every 3 to 12 months.

The international group released new guidelines today at a meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society.

The panel also backs a new wireless system that allows doctors to monitor devices while a patient is at home. One doctor says some patients "would rather talk face to face" with their doctor about their implants, but others say home-monitoring saves them time and money.

The specialists touched on a range of issues, including what patients need to know about product recalls and ethical practices involving the terminally ill.