Physical activity and sports

After implant or generator change, you can usually resume your physical activities and sports within a couple of weeks. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor or nurse before you re-start to make sure the wound has healed properly and to learn about any precautions or limitations you should take. Some general recommendations are the following:

• For all patients with cardiac devices, physical activities associated with a risk of chest trauma (e.g. rugby, boxing, martial arts) should be avoided.
• Other sports (like soccer, basketball, baseball) can be possible while wearing appropriate padding.
• It is noteworthy that sports with pronounced arm movements (such as volleyball, basketball, tennis, golf, climbing) may increase the risk for late lead damage.
• Implantation on the opposite side of the dominant arm (e.g. at the left side in a right-handed tennis player), fixation within the pocket, or submuscular placement, may improve durability of the system.

 

In all cardiac devices it is possible to program rate-response pacing. Rate-responsive pacing adapts the paced heart rate to changes in your physical activity. An activity sensor in the device is used to measure your movement and to determine the appropriate paced heart rate. This feature is especially of benefit if you have slow heart rate and inadequate rise in heart rate during exercise which can result in shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and other symptoms. As not all patients with a cardiac device encounter symptomatic slow heart rates, this feature is not necessary for every patient. Programming of rate-responsive pacing is to the discretion of the cardiologist and technician but can be easily programmed during device check-up.