Cold weather

Hi I am new to this forum but am delighted to have found it. I've had a pacemaker for a couple of years, and all is going well. Now I have a question about cold weather: I live in the northeast and am active outdoors, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing and so on in winter. I haven't had a problem with the cold, but we were to go on a ski trip and the temp would be hovering near zero. We would be outside for quite long periods of time. Aside from the normal comments about the sanity of doing this, I was wondering if there may be adverse affects with the pacemaker at such low temperatures. Am looking forward to any replies!

4 Comments

I do not spend that much time outside

by janetinak - 2011-01-17 01:01:16

on purpose but we are having -15 degrees here in Anchorage area. I waer layers & my PM is as happy as the rest of me is. So put on another layer & as Amy above says as you warm up under your layers so I bet you'll be OK. Just don't get frost bit. Have fun.

Janet

another ?

by erchen - 2011-01-17 06:01:07

I really appreciate your quick replies. Great explanations. I couldn't really find information online and did not want to go through calling the doctor, leaving messages and waiting for the call back. This method is great! Janet: .-15 is colder than I would probably be dealing with. Brrr!

Now I have another quick related question: I have read that cold weather affects heart function. My heart is doing fine with the PCM but wondered if anyone knows if the heart itself (as a result of the PCM) might be more vulnerable in very cold weather? I need the PCM due to heart block - which is electrical...apparently the muscle and structure are ok.

You'll be wearing a coat, right?

by AmyS - 2011-01-17 12:01:16

Everything should be nice and cozy inside of your coat. Even though the PM is near the surface of your skin, you will either have a coat on or, when you heat up from X-C or exercise, your body will be so warm that it will keep the PM warm too.

Have fun and welcome to the club!

Hi again

by janetinak - 2011-01-18 01:01:29

Well I am proud to say that Anchorage (least where I hang out) has gone up to -5. And except for the wind & wind chill I have hopes of warmer weather (teens would be great). Well anyhow I did ask when I got my 1st PM in 2000 about hot tubs & dr told me no problem. As Ronaldo says it is inside body & unless whole body temperature goes up or down due to weather I bet it wouldn't matter, I do not spend any more that 5-10min's in hot tub (love them esp in winter) & I have had no problem. Sounds like you have a similiar problem as I. Heart fine, lousy electrical system. Hah!

Janet

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