Exercise Tips if You Have a Pacemaker or ICD - Topic Overview
If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), here are some exercise tips to follow during your cardiac rehab program.
Choose continuous rhythmic activities such as walking, cycling, or water exercises.
- Always warm up and cool down.
- Avoid extreme environmental conditions. If it is too hot or cold, exercise inside only.
- Always wear loose, comfortable clothes and shoes that fit properly.
- Avoid contact sports, which may dislodge the pacemaker or ICD.
- Do not hold your breath for any reason, especially when you strain.
STOP exercising if you feel any:
- Pressure or pain in your chest, neck, arm, jaw, or shoulder.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea.
- Unusual shortness of breath.
- Unusual tiredness.
- Heartbeat that feels unusual for you: too fast, too slow, or skipping a beat.
- Other symptoms that cause you concern.
- Shock from the ICD.
If you have an ICD, be sure you and your doctor have a plan for what to do if you get a shock. Talk to your doctor if you need to make a plan. For more information, see the topic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD).
If you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), here are some exercise tips to follow during your cardiac rehab program.
Choose continuous rhythmic activities such as walking, cycling, or water exercises.
- Always warm up and cool down.
- Avoid extreme environmental conditions. If it is too hot or cold, exercise inside only.
- Always wear loose, comfortable clothes and shoes that fit properly.
- Avoid contact sports, which may dislodge the pacemaker or ICD.
- Do not hold your breath for any reason, especially when you strain.
STOP exercising if you feel any:
- Pressure or pain in your chest, neck, arm, jaw, or shoulder.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea.
- Unusual shortness of breath.
- Unusual tiredness.
- Heartbeat that feels unusual for you: too fast, too slow, or skipping a beat.
- Other symptoms that cause you concern.
- Shock from the ICD.
If you have an ICD, be sure you and your doctor have a plan for what to do if you get a shock. Talk to your doctor if you need to make a plan. For more information, see the topic Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD).
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