Kayaking with a Pacemaker

My cardiologist has recommended that I get a pacemaker to bring up my heart rate. As an avid whitewater kayaker (class III/IV), I am concerned about the implications for enjoying my sport. Can anyone tell me whether or not the PM will limit my kayaking? Also the majority of the posts that I read concerning exercising with a PM state that "moderate" exercise is okay. Can someone define "moderate" exercise for me? I am in the gym with a trainer twice a week working out on the machines with a weight setting of about 90-100 lbs. I also do core and stability exercises. Four days a week I do an hour-long cardio workout, raising my heart rate to around 160-170 bpm. The remaining time I am on the water practicing. Thanks.

9 Comments

why

by Tracey_E - 2010-10-26 09:10:55

Um, not my definition of moderate! lol But it shouldn't be a problem. There have been Olympic athletes with a pm.

What's your diagnosis and how low is your rate? Are you symptomatic? If you are otherwise healthy, simply have a slow rate with nothing else wrong with the heart, there's no reason why you wouldn't be able to do pretty much whatever you want once you've had time to heal as long as it doesn't risk a hard direct hit to the pm. Competitive karate and tackle football are usually on that list, not much else.

I'd discuss placement with your surgeon. If you're active, you might be more comfortable long term if they bury it a bit rather than the typical placement just under the skin.

Thanks

by springtide999 - 2010-10-26 10:10:18

Just bradycardia. My resting HR averages 48 and my bp sometimes dips below 100/60. I have some fatigue and dizziness, but nothing that is unmanageable at this point. I was scheduled for an implant next week but decided to put it on hold until I could get more info. on its impact on my kayaking. I am going to Chile kayaking in January and I was concerned that I might not have time to heal fully before the trip. Thanks.

I agree

by ElectricFrank - 2010-10-27 01:10:52

Many cardiologists have little or no experience with athletic patients. To them 48 bpm is clinical brady, but actually not unusual for someone in your condition.

You mention having some dizziness at times. Are you aware of the difference between vertigo and light headedness? Vertigo is the kind of dizziness that comes from our inner ear. The experience is one of the room spinning around. It has nothing to do with the heart.

The light headed feeling is where things start to go sparkly or dark and is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. This can be due to excessively low HR or BP, but the numbers you mention shouldn't be a problem.

To give some perspective my BP was 87/43 before I got up and came in to the computer room. I had no problem at all. It can get me feeling a bit wiped out when it's that low, but any kind of activity brings it up quickly.

As far as heart rate I have had the Medtronics rep interrupt pacing at one of my checkups to see how dependent I am. My HR dropped into the low 30's, but I was able to stand without passing out. Just felt lousy.

My recommendation is to check into the need for a pacer very carefully before agreeing to it. They are useful devices when needed, but no reason to go down that road otherwise. I would also avoid being talked into heart meds either. They are a bucket of worms.

good luck,

frank

Range of Motion Different

by lahbigbro6 - 2010-10-27 05:10:27

I do cardio and light weight training. My range of motion is different with a pacemaker. I am 51, implanted 8 years ago. I am alittle careful when lifting weights with chest flys, overhead press and doing one exercise on my pilates reformer.

Add on to my comment

by lahbigbro6 - 2010-10-27 05:10:57

Be careful. I have neurocardiogentic syncope, blood pressure goes so low, it stopped my heart. I was only taking meds for this condition, but then a pacemaker was implanted. Good Luck.

Thank you

by springtide999 - 2010-10-27 07:10:42

Your comments have added support to what I have begun to think. I have an appointment with a second cardiologist on Friday. -tlw

good idea

by Tracey_E - 2010-10-27 08:10:00

I agree with getting a second opinion. Bradycardia is simply a low hr, more of a symptom than a diagnosis. 60 is the textbook definition of brady but 50 is generally where they start paying attention and consider it a potential problem. Given you are just barely under that and you are athletic, I'd be asking some more questions before deciding to get the pm.

If you decide to get it, you should be back to light activity within a week but it will be 6-8 weeks before you can get back to your full routine.

range of motion

by Tracey_E - 2010-10-27 09:10:34

Your range of motion can be affected depending where they put the pm. If you discuss it with the surgeon in advance, they can place it so that your range of motion will not be affected. Mine was done by a plastic surgeon- no lump, no visible scar, no range of motion issues. But that's assuming you need it. At this point I don't think that's a given.

Be Sure You Need One

by J.B. - 2010-10-27 12:10:45

Do like Tracey said, but I also think another opinion may be in order. What is your normal heart rate. I know a runner that has a heart rate in the 40s because of his exercise routine. Anybody that exercises like you do is likely to have a low heart rate. So the question become do you really need an increase in your heart rate by artificial means.

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Member Quotes

My eight year old son had a pacemaker since he was 6 months old. He does very well, plays soccer, baseball, and rides his bike. I am so glad he is not ashamed of his pacemaker. He will proudly show his "battery" to anyone.