Pacemaker exercises

[jamesc1231]

Is there anyway to work out my chest area or pecs? i really want to have a strong chest but now that i know i cant do pushups and such im afraid ill never have a strong chest area... I have always wanted to breakdance and learn how to do handstands and such but i cant do that either at least i think so...Is there anything i can do about these problems? is there anyway to work out my chest area without damaging the leads near my clavicle?

[Forum-M.D.-MJM]

Hi James,
Glad to see that you want to keep fit. I would encourage more aerobic exercise rather than lifting.  Not only because aerobic exercise is better for your health, but because the more lifting you do, the more strain you may put on your pacer leads.  You definitely shouldn't do any lifting that involves weights impacting your chest near your pacemaker -- like bench pressing.  Other exercise isn't contraindicated, meaning that you can do it, but it does increase your risk of future lead problems.  The more you do, the higher the risk.

I hope this helps.  Thanks for posting.

[jamesc1231]

so are there any exercises i can do with my chest at all?

[ireneo]

How long have you had the pacemaker? Instead of using the free weights, I wonder if the machines would be safer (this isn't a suggestion to use them, it's a question)? Typically there's less need to control the balance of weights with the machines and they can be done slowly, no heaving and jerking. Slower movement and less weight is often recommended by the trainers. Get the same results without as much risk of injury.

[Jeff - LINY]

Hi - My first post here!!  I am 36 years old and have have bypass, stents, ICD. I used to be a bodybuilder, so really wanted to continue with my fitnesss routine even after the surgeries.  The dr's were not sure, one would say I cannot lift the other just cut my range of motion.

Well I decided to give lifting a try. I used mostly machines, but I do all pressing exercises, pushups, back exercises.  Itr has not impacted my ICD, the leads are fine and the device is working properly. I no longer do free weight bench press, or shoudler press, but everything else has been fine.

Jeff

[Sbinsgrl]

Hi, just looking for some help here. My mother is 78 and is due to have a pacemaker implanted next week. She is very afraid to have it done and is reconsidering having it done. She says she needs to find out more about how it effects the rest of her life, such as what machines she has to avoid, etc.

I was hoping to find some encouragement for her from some of you that have the implant done. She says she doesn't really feel good about it but I think she is depressed now because it is all she thinks about. She originally went to the hospital with chest pain and fatigue, to the point she couldn't continue walking. They did the stress test and it was fine, the EKG was fine.. Then last week they did the 24 hour monitor and from what she told me, he said her heart skips a beat once in a while. When she was in the hospital, a couple of times, they said it would skip the bottom beat. I'm sorry if this is so layman, but I don't really  know the medical stuff.

Any information any of you can give me or any good stories about pacemakers would be really helpful. I'm afraid she won't do it and we will be rushing her into the hospital again, and may not have enough time.

Thank you.

[batteryrequired]

Hey there.  I would encourage you to go ahead and use freeweights.  I am due to go in for pacemaker replacement next week (its been 10 years on the 9th of June)  I had one put in when I was 35 years old.  I have been using freeweights ever since and have not had any problems.  I do not however bounce the bar off of my chest, should be a no-no no matter if you have a pacemaker or not. I often use dumbbells also to workout with.  Machines to absolutely nothing for me.  Sure, if you just want to keep the muscles and all working that is great.  Let me post a web address here so that you can see me for yourself.  

http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/batteryrequired/

My doctor has not limited me to anything at all as far as lifting goes (after surgery will be a different story I am sure for a few weeks).  But take it from someone who benches 300lbs....free weights are not going to hurt you.  Just be smart is all I can say.  I am 45 years old by the way, 6'3" tall and currently at 210lbs.  Eat smart and lift smart.  Chances are the doctors that tell you to stay away from free weights or any kind of lifting...chances are they have no idea themselves as they are poorly out of shape themselves (sorry doctors), my doctor is pretty fit.  
Good luck to you and hope you start out slow and build yourself up!

[batteryrequired]

To Jeff in Long Island, NY....I would just keep doing what your doing.  Bypass is another whole ball game, your sternum is wired back together.  I would suggest you find a cardiologist with your doctors help that knows more about lifting.  Look at Arnold S. aka The Terminator at what he has done after his open heart surgery.  He is free weights only.  It can be done.  Good luck!