Weight Training with a Pacemaker

[patvl]

I'm feeling some depression coming on, my doc told me today that I need a pacemaker. I'm 67, been weight training all my life and now doc says it must be very limited. I didn't limit my training even after both shoulders were replaced, although the max weight i use has decreased. Please, someone tell me they train with a pacemaker

[patvl]

Thank you for the information

[ed34]

If your EF is 40% then I certainly wouldn't go for weight training. This type of exercise is anaerobic and over works the heart in quick short bursts, the type of exercise which can certainly bring about arrhythmia. A better form of exercise is Aerobic which is heart/circulatory system aligned. With an EF of 40% you don't want to overdo exercise either. If you work your heart too hard then you could initiate enlargement of the chambers, making it even weaker over time. I would speak to your Doctor and ask them to get a cardiac rehab nurse to perhaps give you an exercise regime to work on.

[patvl]

Thanks for reply Flycaster, I don't have too many specifics on the type right now, the doc says my beats are low and he had to take me off meds that were causing it to go even lower. Sez my "EF" is around 40%, another factor for his decision. He's hoping PM will allow me to resume meds. All very confusing to me, hope to learn more and get some answers. I'm sure I'll have more questions to post.  Thanks again, Pat

[Flycaster305]

Pacemakers are inserted for a lot of reasons, and there are different types with different functions.  For example, some are programmed just to limit the heart from beating too slow, some too slow/too fast, most can be programmed to anticipate sudden activity, others can deliver an electric shock if the heart quits beating, and much, much more.  The reason the pacer needs to be inserted is the key.  
You need to provide more information as to your condition, what type of pacer is expected, etc.  You might get some peer to peer discussion with more information.  That said, your Electro-physician is by far the  best person to discuss this matter with you.
That said, I did light weights for a number of years after my pacer was inserted, using less weight and more reps, and worked more on cardio until a serious cardio-vascular matter sidelined me.  Trying to lift heavier weights would mix up my pacemaker, but as I was about your age, changing to lighter weights/more reps was a welcome change.  Keep us informed.