Weightlifting

I'm 22 years old and I had my pacemaker implanted under the skin in my chest earlier this year. I enjoy my weightlifting and I'm quite lean so the pacemaker is clearly visible under my skin.
 

When I do chest exercises like bench press, the side of the pacemaker where the leads go in, pushes at the skin from below leaving a clear outline of that side of the pacemaker. I don't mind this but what I'm concerned about is if this could damage the skin and cause erosion over time or if one chest session a week isn't enough to cause erosion. It doesn't hurt or anything and I know skin is strong but I'd like to hear anyone's opinion please because I don't want to stress about it and have to be careful every time I train my chest

5 Comments

Visible pacemaker

by AgentX86 - 2020-09-09 12:33:07

I don't do upper body workouts at all, and I'm not be any measure skinny (5' 10", 200lbs) but my pacemaker and leads  are very pronounced. The skin over my leads feels like it's been sanded at times but I'm assured that it's normal. The biG thing is DO NOT FIDDLE WITH IT. That could cause erosion of the pocket,  which is quite dangerous.

On a slightly different note, I was told not to press free weights. Resting the bar on your PM will hurt, a lot, but it's possible that if it hit your leads it could crush them. My EP said I could knock myself out on machines but stay away from pressing free weights.

Great question about skin erosion!

by Betsy A - 2020-09-12 23:56:14

I'm a very recent (2 weeks today)  member of the pacer club.  But I'm also a many years of practice wound care nurse.  You're right to think of the skin over your pacer.  And repeated, prolonged, or shearing pressure can easily damage the thin layer of tissue directly over the implant.  Increasing padding over the area might not look great but it will save you a world of trouble.  There's shirts with padded chest areas advertised on this webpage or you could probably invent something as well.  Great job catching that problem before it started! 

Bench press

by robertguyharris - 2020-09-14 03:08:18

Thank you for the comments, I'm not concerned about any outside pressure to the skin, when I do bench press the bar rests on my lower chest at the bottom of the rep, I'm more concerned about wether the skin can be damaged from repeated pressure from the actual pacemaker when doing the chest press action or if the skin will get used to it? 

maybe

by Tracey_E - 2020-09-16 09:01:09

The skin is pretty tough, but yes, that is now erosion can happen. I would think it depends on how much you are doing, a lot of reps may cause a problem. I'm no doctor, but I would just keep an eye on it and keep doing what I wanted to do as long as it doesn't hurt. If it changes, back off and reassess. You might want to run it by your doctor, show them what is happening. 

Twiddler Syndrome

by Old_Mainer - 2020-10-18 23:16:51

Robert,

I can't opine on the skin irritation but I would sugggest you discuss this with your doctor if there is any pressure on your pacemaker.   There is a well known condition in Cardiology called "Twiddler's Syndrome".  From Wikipedia: "Cardiology Twiddler's syndrome is a malfunction of a pacemaker due to manipulation of the device and the subsequent dislodging of the leads from their intended location."

 

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Member Quotes

I am just thankful that I am alive and that even though I have this pacemaker it is not the end of the world.