Running

Running and pacemakers

by IAN MC - 2017-08-03 06:13:25

I too have been running for more years than I can remember. My first indication that all was not well was when I measured my HR  one evening ( must have been a really bad night on TV ) and found it was 40 bpm instead of the usual 55 bpm.  I ran around the living room and was relieved to see the HR go up.  The next indication that all was not well was when I fainted after a 10 mile race.  I now have a pacemaker. The diagnosis was SSS

Two important messages :-

i) Your bradycardia is likely to carry on getting worse and this can lead to cardiac pauses and fainting.. Fainting is no fun if you happen to be driving at the time or standing at the top of a flight of stairs.

ii) A pacemaker is the ONLY treatment for bradycardia. There aren't any drugs which will raise your resting heart rate to any level you want it to be.

An important point about SSS is that it can prevent you hitting maximum heart rate levels when you exercise which makes you feel pretty grim when you run. This is known as "chronotropic incompetence " and can occur immediately on developing the condition or can appear over time.  It is very important that you choose a pacemaker with good exercise sensors because there are differences between different makes.

If you do decide to go ahead with a PM ( and it certainly sounds as though it is inevitable)  make a point of discussing rate response sensors with whoever will do the procedure. Pacemakers with " dual sensors" are probably best for runners

Best of luck

Ian

Max HR

by apeters - 2017-08-03 09:52:55

Hi Ian, and thanks for the thoughtful response.

On crappy days, of which there are alot of in Florida during the summer, I do take to the treadmill and run.  My max HR after  a fast rate for me is around 165-170 which is appropriate for my age.  I guess whether I get there fast enough is a fair question.  My recovery is quick.

One question I have, perhaps the EP guy cab answer it,  is whether chronic bradycardia, resting HR in the low 30s say, can damage the heart by overfilling, high end-diastolic pressures, etc., and maybe the pacer, with a more reasonable low end threshold, say 50 or so, would help remodel that.

Anyway, I see a stress test and repeat echo in my future, and probably a PM of some sort.  He wants just a single lead, SSI.

I haven't fainted - yet though I do nod off at long traffic lights, late afternoons, boring movies, etc.

I will mention the activity sensitive models and see what he says.

Thanks,

Drew

pacemaker

by LeeT - 2017-08-06 02:04:17

You assume you have a choice but I assure you you don't . A PM will free you and give you life but things  will not be the same and you must make adjustments . I work out lift weights and very much aware of the connection to my heart nodes, therefore, I do more reps and less weight which serves me fine. And yes when I was told I needed a PM my thoughts were who me I'm a kick ass sportsman will I delayed the procedure for almost a month get this  32 bpm , now it works fine I'm in the gym down on reps and finally I get it 75 yrs old look amazing for that and yes I have a PM and yes my life is different but I compensate and above all LISTEN to your doctor. 

you need a PM now / hope this helps Just being honest 

Get the device and keep running

by chazzf - 2017-08-22 14:54:18

I'm on my 4th device (biventricular pacer with defib) and have done 5 marathons and 6 ultras since implant.  What used to be 8-9 minute miles are now 11-13 minute miles, but I'm still out there.  Can't get the heart rate up due to (mainly) drugs I have to take (have cardiac sarcoidosis) but I'm still out there.  Was 47 when I had it done....now 62. Get it done NOW--you won't regret it!

Dizziness

by Chris - 2017-08-22 19:17:33

Hi I am 42 just had my pm four weeks ago and the moment  I bring  my heart rate  up I still feel dizzy  is this normal in the beginning or is pm not in tune with what I need I don't run but I cycle  and at the minute  I have to say I don't think my pm is working for me any ideas thanks chris

Pacemaker? No way!

by Adrian II - 2017-09-06 18:15:45

Hi, I'm 70 and have been running and doing hard exercise for 40 years; rock climbing, surfing, mountain biking, weights, (golf too) etc.  Last April after a stress test I was imformed I needed a PM.  My symptoms were minimal and the only thing I noticed was and erratic and slow pulse after exercise. Also my running times were getting slower with greater effort.  Brief dizziness after hard weight training especially if doing a circuit without rest.     I went for a 2d opinion and then a 3d and a 4th. (the 4th was a collegue of the 3d).   The 3d cardiologist told me he'd notify the DMV if I kept driving.   It might have been a bluff but I got the message.      On 8/18/17 I got the pacemaker.  There's not much fat on me and it looks and feels a little weird. I'm getting used to it though. Hit some golf balls today, lifted light weights yesterday and ran one 10 minute mile.  The doctor said it was OK to run but not swim or play golf.  I was just hitting half swings with the golf, don't tell her.     It's inevitable.  Make sure your insurance is covering it all and go for it.     

Re: running with pacemaker

by bionicgirl - 2017-09-29 05:44:54

Hi from Jakarta, Indonesia :)

before having pacemaker, I used to run 2-3 km a week and I have had joint 18 run races (5 and 10km).

When the doctor and sisters decided I have to have pacemaker, the first thing I asked my cardiologist was: could I still run/ jog? :))

this morning (2 months after my pacemaker implantation) I had my first 2km jog :)

So don't worry..