I am a fitness fanatic

hi, I have junctional brai cardia and the doctors have advised I have a pacemaker fitted as by hr 35-45 is. I work out regularily, combination of yoga, cardio and swiiming. The Doctor said I was borderline and that it woudl be better to have a pacemaker. I told him that I woudl aggree only if I can contunie to do the same level of intense workouts. ~He said that would not be a problem so long as I did want to build my chest musckles as the leads could fray. I have been put on a waiting list and will probable have it fitted in 4-6 weesk time. My main concern is that I wish to keep on with the same level of excersise and should Increase my training (to make my heart that much stronger) before havng my pm fitted.

woudl apprecatie you advice on this and other aspects I should be aware of. I am 47

5 Comments

Fitness

by richan - 2011-08-16 12:08:51

Hi m50ndh,
I have been involved in Masters Swimming since the early 1970's. I received my 1st PM in 2005 and my 2nd one in early 2010 - battery was getting low.
I think PM's work differently for each individual. I know that it was (and still is) an "adjustment" getting used to what my PM would and would not do. I have to rely pretty much on breathing to get my PM to increase my HR when I am swimming (hyperventilate a lot). The motion sensor that is activated by walking/running does not work when I am prone in the water.
I am sure that there are other things that a PM won't do as well as the "original". They are wonderful pieces of technology. I just think that they have limitations.
Having said that, I am pleased to have mine.

I hope things work out for you.

Peace,
Richan

Don't expect to be fit for training just after you have your PM

by otbergo - 2011-08-17 06:08:50

I'm 65, and have been into sports all my life. Got my PM 14th December 2009, and have tried to run, with a pulse watch on several occasions. But I was unable to do serious running until this summer. It feels great!

You might recover quicker, since you are younger. But take it easy during the first months, start carefully, use a pulse watch or take your pulse during the training sessions. Discuss your training program with your doctor, and compare your training diary with the recordings from the PM, next time you see him.

Swimming with a pacemaker

by Selwyn - 2011-08-17 06:08:57

Hello,
Having a pacemaker will help you to increase your heart rate during exercise.Before my pacemaker I found I was short of breath at the start of a swim, taking about 10 lengths to get my breathing going. Now I reckon about 2-3 lengths and I am fairly stable. There are some settings you can get them to adjust so that there is a fast response to exercise. If you really want a racing start you can tap your pacemaker ( if it has a motion sensor) and this pushes up your heart rate. Have a word with the cardiology team as to your requirements.
Most people advise a 6 week period of not extending the arm fully to let the operation and leads settle down in the heart ( your really do not want to rip the lead out!). I was cycling some miles within the first week of pacemaker insertion, as holding onto the handle bars keeps the arms down and fairly static.
Happy swimming, it is a great way to keep fit.

Symptoms?

by COBradyBunch - 2011-08-17 08:08:40

What if any symptoms do you have to indicate a pacemaker. I got one because I was passing out and we had to argue about settings after that. My RHR was in the low 50's and I said if I was normal and felt great at that level why did they want to set my pacer to go off if I dropped to 60. Not only would I be pacing a lot when I didn't have to, but really, I passed out when I flatlined, not when I dropped to 50. We agreed to set it at 50 although I was originally pushing for lower but turns out I rarely drop below 50. I know other younger, fitter athletes who have lower numbers than that and have no issues other than a low RHR. Just saying, I would be asking lots and lots of questions unless I was having issues such as fatigue, passing out or such.

thank you your reply to my concerns

by m50ndh - 2011-08-18 04:08:10

Thank you for replying to my concerns.

I had a 2.1 block for 2.5 secs on a stress test and I have been having a couple of dizzy spells, and do feel a bit tired but when I start to exercising I feel like i'm on top of the world.

The cardiologist said that I was borderline, and recommended having a pacemaker fitted.( had I not had the dizzy spells I would not have needed one) My resting heart rate is around 36 - 41 but has dropped on may occasions to 33 although I don't feel anything.

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