21, brand new pacemaker

Hi, I just had my pacemaker put in about 7 weeks ago. My heart stopped for 16 seconds and then again for a minute while I was in the hospital for another incident so they put it in like, the next day. They said I was born with some heart defects that caused this to happen at such a young age. I have my final appointment where they are supposed to tell me I have no restrictions this Thursday.

I'm totally out of shape and overweight and I really want to fix that. But I'm really nervous about exercising. They also put me on a beta blocker because I guess my problem is that my heart either goes too slow or too fast... There is no "just right" goldilocks type scenario for my heart.

So, can I exercise? I want to go pretty vigorous cause I want to lose weight. I'm just afraid my heart rate is going to get up too high. Or what if I'm lifting weights and pull the leads. Does that even happen? Ah so many unanswered questions. Any insight would be fantastic!

4 Comments

exercise

by Tracey_E - 2013-06-04 09:06:35

As long as they clear you, you should be able to do whatever you want. Some drs are more conservative than others regarding weights so ask your dr what's ok. My dr said no restrictions so I go all out. You won't pull the leads. Be careful not to set a barbell on your leads or device, if it's right under the clavicle that may be an issue when you clean the bar.

If you are out of shape and it's been a while since you exercised, don't go all crazy and try to do everything at once. Start easy and work up. You didn't get out of shape overnight, you're not going to get back in shape overnight either.

You may find that the beta blocker makes you progress more slowly than you like. It won't stop you, just be aware that it's keeping your rate down and making your heart not beat as hard, so if you suddenly get tired or dizzy back off and let your body catch up. If you aren't comfortable with exercise on your own, you might consider asking about cardiac rehab to get you started.

How is your diet? Hard exercise requires the right diet to fuel it and exercise alone won't get you where you want to be.

HI there!

by uvagershwin - 2013-06-04 09:06:52

Hello and welcome! Sorry to hear about your situation :( I'm in a similar boat, though, which is the great thing about this site! I'm 18 and have had a pacer since I was 15 hours old, but have also developed a condition where I get tachycardia. My heart is confused too ;) While I can't say absolutely yes or no, I can tell you that your doctor will probably want you to exercise. But definitely check with them!

Vigorous is not always the best for weight loss. You can to moderate exercise and, when combined with a proper diet, loose a lot of weight! In middle school I was REALLY overweight (like, I'm talking obese). I started walking 1-2 miles a day and eating sensibly, and I lost 50 pounds right before I started high school! I didn't really hit a growth spurt either - just lifestyle changes. I wouldn't go with weight lifting, at least not right now. Again, get cleared by your doc, but my cardiologist told me it would be a bad idea. Everyone gets told something different, so check. Yes, your leads can get pulled while lifting weights, heavy objects, or even just moving your arm/ shoulder in a weird way. Common sense is key :)

Hope this helps! Feel free to message me any time :)

Sydney

Im 22, not a doctor but exercise regularly

by MWilson - 2013-06-04 11:06:03


LKrager,

Im not a doctor and if i were you id definitely check with your cardiologist before taking anybodies advice on here simply because each persons experience is different. On that note, im 22 with a pm and exercise every day. I lift weights, play basketball and golf and bike about 6 miles a day in the gym.

First thing first is to start eating better. No matter how much you exercise, if you dont eat healthier you wont get anyway. Wheat and whole grains are great for the heart.

Second, start off with light exercise then work your way up. Pacemaker or not its not healthy to be overweight and jump into high intensity workouts. Go light then work your way up as your body develops.

Third, there is almost no way for your leads to come out after proper healing times. As a 21 y/o they give you plenty of extra wire for activity and you dont have to worry much about growing out of it. However, things like maxing out on a bench press isnt a great idea.

I hope this helps! Again, id definitely talk to your cardiologist to see what your situation is like.

I'm 21, and pretty damn active

by mtaylor - 2013-06-05 11:06:00

I am 21, and had my ICD planted at 19. If your doctor says it's OK, you are good to go to do pretty well whatever you want. I solo climbed a mountain yesterday in a third of the time the book said it should take, as an indication of what an ICD patient can do.

You know you're wired when...

You have a dymo-powered bike.

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