recently told to quit any type of workout

i have had a ICD for 20+ years and have managed to stay fairly active within  my limits (not pushing too hard), as of two weeks ago was doing 60 miles on bike and regular swimming. On a recent echo cardiogram they saw that the right ventrical has become severly dilated and its systolic ability has severly declined. I am told to stop excersing until further notice. the condition is now being labeled as ARVC (Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy) , i previously was diagnosed with excursion induced tachycardias. I havent seen a speciliast yet (seeing one soon) but afraid i am going to be told to stop working out altogether

Has anyone had a simliar experience ? i am sure the doctor will answer some of these questions but does the RV dilation go away ? Thansk in advance.

2 Comments

I do extreme exercise

by Cheldhaye Chill Day - 2021-04-14 04:51:57

Yes, I did extreme workout such as boxing, hiking, biking, running, aerobics, and yoga. I am 46 years old now and am about to have my 4th operation in 2 years. I did  daily aerobics for 1 hour and 30 minutes, 30 minutes for my boxing and the rest for 1 hour. I did it alternatively though, depending also in my body condition. But ultimately, I did not refrain from any exercise. My doctor did advice me to have exercise to refrain  from further medication maintenance in my sugar and cholesterol level. 

So long as, the lead is not pushed, pressed or any other sort of pressure that made you feel pain, I think it's ok to exercise. But if there is really bothering you or you feel pain, I think you need to consult your doctor.  

I remember 6 months after my 3rd operation, I feel something stingy painful in my pacemaker operation so I did consult my cardio and he just did touch my battery and put it in proper location I think. It was too painful that I fall from my chair and got a teary eye when he did so. However, after that, all the stingy pain is gone and never did I feel another pain like that. 😊

Right Ventricle (RV) dilation/Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)

by Gemita - 2021-04-14 07:32:05

AK, I am so sorry to hear your news.  I know it is frustrating to stop your high level of exercise until further notice, but I am sure this is safer for you until your doctors can give you an expert opinion on the best way forward.  Let us all hope it is not a permanent cessation of a level of exercise you can enjoy.  

The fact that despite your echo results, you still feel (I presume?) relatively well is a very good sign to hold on to.  Perhaps with a change in treatment and a modification in your exercise routines, your RV dilation will diminish, but these are all questions for the experts who will obviously need to carry out many specialised tests to confirm whether you actually have ARVC?  Can RV dilation be reversed?  Depends on your confirmed diagnosis, the level of damage they find and whether lifestyle changes/additional medical treatment can help.

I believe ARVC is a rare genetic disease affecting the heart muscle, mainly RV.  It can cause abnormal dangerous heart rhythms.  It can also make the heart unable to pump enough blood.  Please remain positive and patient and listen to your doctors for advice on how best to manage this.  If this includes limiting heavy physical activity for a period, then hopefully this will help you to recover.

I wish you well.  I attach a link for further reading 

https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/cardiomyopathy/arrhythmogenic-right-ventricular-cardiomyopathy

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I just want to share about the quality of life after my pacemaker, and hopefully increase awareness that lifestyles do not have to be drastically modified just because we are pacemaker recipients.