lifting weights

I just received my third pacemaker (having received my first at the age of 30 - I'm now 53) and am having a hard time knowing how much exercise is OK - mainly weight lifting upper body. My (new) cardiologist said to "keep it reasonable" and not strain too much, but didn't really give me any definite guidelines, other than don't lift 100 pounds. I don't want to fracture a wire...what's reasonable?

6 Comments

Weights

by kyle0816 - 2008-05-25 09:05:04

I lift way over 100lbs. My cardiologist said there is no problem with that but he also routed mine in a way where the wire won't be crushed by the collar bone. Who knows who is right, all of these Dr.'s seem to have different viewpoints.

Safe lifting

by tripastor - 2008-05-25 10:05:45

I was told by my EP that I was free to lift whatever I felt comfortable with. I think alot of it has to do with where your PM was implanted. Mine is under my pectoral with the leads running across my chest, so according to him I would not damage a lead.

Good luck. Tripastor!

Weight Lifting

by richan - 2008-05-26 05:05:53

Hi Paula,
If your leads are long enough to give you maximum range of motion they should not present a problem. My cardio did not give me any restrictions regarding weight lifting. The guidline I use is: If I can't do 2 sets of 15 reps, I should go lighter on the weights. When 2 sets of 15 gets to be easy, I should increase the weights.
I have been sticking to that for the past year+ - it seems to be working OK. You might want to ask your cardio about these guidlines.
Hang in there,
Richan

Paula- use experience as a guide

by axg9504 - 2008-05-28 04:05:06

You didn't say but if you've been lifting since 30, then why not use your experience. You haven't had a dislodged lead yet have you?

This business is so vague. I wish the docs would establish whether it's range of motion or effort that causes a dislodged lead.

Weight Limit

by CJD2007 - 2008-05-28 05:05:56

I had asked how much weight I could lift referring to a gym machine where I would be lifting over my head.
I was told by my Cardio Dr. not to lift any more than 50 lbs.
It seems like there are no finite details on the weight limitations. I see people on here that are doing weight lifting with a lot more weight.

Take care,
CJ

Weights

by morphicus - 2008-06-09 02:06:28

If this is any help, had my pacemaker fitted March this year, do a lot of weights. My implant is on top of my right Pec, I lift of 100kg on chest, back, 60+kg on shoulders 3 times a week. I took things steady to start but now apart from some slight flexibility issues all is great.

I would say go steady on higher reps and build up, try a routine change to enable the body to recover ( as if you were just starting out training)
ie sets of 15 for a few weeks, then 12's down to 8's.
cheers
Tony

You know you're wired when...

Airport security welcomes you.

Member Quotes

I am 100% pacemaker dependant and have been all my life. I try not to think about how a little metal box keeps me alive - it would drive me crazy. So I lead a very active life.