Tennis & Golf

Firstly welcome

by Gemita - 2023-07-10 18:20:47

Jason,

I don’t think you should go through life worrying about your pacemaker lead longevity, rather I think you should enjoy your activities to the full once you are well healed and cleared for tennis and golf.  

I hope in any event you will outlive the leads.  The average life is around 15 years, although leads can last much much longer and we have members apparently with leads as old as 30-40 years.

Hopefully tennis and golf members will be along shortly to give you some tips on when you can safely resume your activities since I note your pacemaker is on the right side.  I don’t see why that should be a problem once the leads have settled in say at 8-10 weeks but you may need to wait up to 3 months to enjoy your activities to the full. Has your doctor given you any advice for your particular heart condition?

I attach a link from the Pacemaker Club about right sided implants which might be worth reading.  The link should be copied into your main general browser to open:-

https://www.pacemakerclub.com/message/42752/right-side-pm-implant

Take it easy.  You will get back to what you love and health permitting, you shouldn't be restricted by your leads or implant location

HI Jason

by PacedNRunning - 2023-07-13 02:23:01

I agree with Gemita! Live your life. I know your being cautious which is understandable because lead replacement can be risky.  I play golf and pickleball and run and hike, and bike. LOL. I got my PM at 46 years old. Dual lead device.  I wasn't given any restrictions but my doctor did caution about repetitive motions such as rowing.  Rowing was his example. He is aware that I play golf, run, bike, weight train etc but rowing and swimming such as the butterfly stroke were the movements he cautioned against.  Lead placement is a factor with wear and tear.  Under the muscle with someone active can put more strain on the leads and higher risk of fractures from wear and tear. The insertion site of the leads matter. Are they placed using the cephalic vein vs axillary vein to the subvclavian.  These can also make a difference on how the leads bends and cause wear and tear. Golf is not an overhead sport so you are ok there.  Tennis with serving is considered overhead.  I was cleared at 5 weeks post op to resume all previous activities. Oh, lead type can matter. Active fixation vs passive. Mine are active so much harder to dislodge than passive fixation.  Honestly, with 3 leads it's pretty crammed in the vein, I would think with upper body motions and all the leads in one vein could cause some wear and tear soon vs someone with 2 leads. Unfortunately, there isn't much research out there for young and active individuals with PM's, but from what Ive read on what causes fractures, under the muscle, insertion entry route and body hiabtus can matter.  

Definetely have a discussion with your doctor because, 2 leads vs 3 leads can make a difference and I'm not too sure about the number of leads increasing the risk. I've had my leads 5 years, just had a replacement and my leads are still in good shape and I'm VERY active.  

Not sure if I helped or not.