Running

I am a runner, 59, and have been running since high school. I've had A fib off and on since age 40 with many cardioversions, 2 ablations, and am scheduled to have a 3rd, this time a Hybrid ablation. My next option is a pacemaker. Would this affect my ability to run. Are there any other adverse affects with a pacer? Any thoughts, especially from runners with pacers, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Tom

2 Comments

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by Tracey_E - 2013-04-07 11:04:50

If you do a search (upper right corner) this comes up at least once a week, running as well as the pros/cons of a pm for afib. The afib may affect your ability to run, the pm should only help it. I'm not familiar with a hybrid ablation, are they going to get the av node so you'll need the pm? or use one of the new pm's that tries to pace out of the afib? That's the only 2 solutions I'm aware of but I'm no expert :)

I run 5 days a week as part of Crossfit. My stamina isn't what I'd like it to be but that's more from the beta blocker I'm on than the pm. Even with the bb holding me back a bit, I can still keep up with the rest of the class, most of which are half my age.

Good luck to you!

It will help

by gleesue - 2013-04-08 12:04:07

Tom,

I’ve been a runner most of my life. I had the Maze procedure in 1991 and have had 4 ablations. One took 9 ½ hours. I’ve even had a pulmonary ablation. I too don’t know what you mean by a hybrid. But I have had them where they just go through the groin, but my last one they went through the groin and neck. I tried to put off a having a pacemaker as long as I could. I’ve been cardioverted well over 30 times and the last time my heart didn’t bounce back. I started going 6 – 10 seconds between heart beats. Well the only choice was a pacemaker. I’ve gone from running to biking in the last couple years because of foot arthritis. However, since I’ve had my pacemaker (implant 8-2-2012) I’ve had more stamina than I have had in a long time. I’ve even broken three of my own world records (personal bests).

So don’t worry about a PM. I feel great and hardly know I have it any more. Besides biking also play tennis, hike, kayak, golf, jet ski and coach two soccer teams.

Life after a PM is good. Will it affect your running, YES; it should help as it has helped me with all my activities.

Jerry

You know you're wired when...

You participate in the Pacer Olympics.

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