Swimming and Yoga with an ICD

[ChewieMatt]

I am 37 years old with suspected AVRC (though after many tests, it's not conclusive). I was a runner but an 'event' in September scuppered that. I then took up swimming and really enjoyed it, but suffered another event (not swimming) 3 weeks ago. I have had an ICD fitted and, after I've recovered, I would like to return to swimming but have heard stories about long term restrictions long term on arm rotation, stretching and resistance - eg wires coming lose. Basically, is there anyone out there with an ICD who swims and does yoga?

[AlaninSpain]

I had my ICD fitted in October 2016 and can't believe that it was that long ago. I am 69 so not quite as active as yourself although I do a lot of walking and before my problems I was cycling a lot. I have ween warned in no uncertain terms that it was excess exercise that can cause my arrhythmia which is why I now restrict myself to the walking and always wear a FitBit to keep a check on my heart rate and rest when it goes a little high.

I have been to a 'Stretch & Flex' class which is a hybrid of Yoga & Pillates and had no problems (it's not for me), I live in Southern Spin and was swimming in the pool last summer.

My philosophy and advice has always been to get on with a normal life but to accept the restrictions and make some sensible adjustments.

There may be some minor restrictions but I suspect that you will be able to do at least 90% of what you want to and to me that's a small sacrifice and better than the alternative!

My advise would be to talk to your medical people and they will advise.

[ChewieMatt in reply to AlaninSpain]

Thanks Alan. Good to hear that flexibility shouldn’t be so much of an issue. I’m accepting that my exercise intensity will have to reduce, just looking forward to having a routine when I’m recovered!

[gal4God]

I have took part in sport with an ICD and walked around the welsh mountains. No issues.

[ChewieMatt in reply to gal4God]

Thank you, good to know. Any issues or warnings against front crawl or anything like that?

[gal4God]

Idk im not Into swimming but wen I learnt to swim I struggled with front crawl cos of the breathing as u do it so learnt breast stoke but I onli learnt to swim so I could do water sports.

[Claire_BHF]

Hi ChewieMatt, Claire here from the BHF - hope you're well! I'm writing an article for Heart Matters magazine on exercising with a heart condition and I wondered if you would be interested in featuring your story? I'm looking for people to talk about the exercises they do, and the challenges they've faced. Feel free to ping me an email: [e-mail] thanks!

[Gavin98]

I'm getting my ICD fitted on the 16th of this month. I've been advised by my nurse and cardiologist to only do breaststroke to avoid pulling out the ICD. Would be interested to know if you've been swimming at all and how it's gone?

[ChewieMatt in reply to Gavin98]

Hello. I had a two lead put in and left it for 6 weeks before returning to gentle swimming. Daunting at first but I felt more confident over time and now swim once or twice a week, 64 lengths of a 25m pool, 15-20 lengths front crawl with 2 breaststroke then back to front crawl. I don’t pummel it, but that’s more to do with me having ARVC than being scared about the leads. I wish I had some more pragmatic / informed advice to exercise when I was preparing for life with an ICD. I’m actually in the latest issue of Heart Matters magazine talking about it (cringe) if you want the full story. I see my ICD as a life enabler rather than a limiter. Go steady and build up to what you are comfortable with. I honestly forget it’s there most days. Good luck. Message me if you have any questions.

[Gavin98 in reply to ChewieMatt]

Ok that sounds like a good idea to me! I have the same condition so don't plan on doing too many sprints or any competitions, but have swum for so long don't want to give it up entirely! I've been quite fortunate that mine was found through a practical in my degree so did some reading and have a fairly good idea about what I should, and shouldn't be doing so not overly concerned about that aspect, more just the day to day shoulder movements and stretching is what concerns me... I'll find that and give it a read! Thank you very much for your response.

[Debee28]

I've been advised to wait before going back to yoga due to the breathing.

[YogaAtHeart]

Are you still active on here? I'm interested to know how you're getting on.

I have been diagnosed with ARVC and am due to have an ICD fitted within the next few weeks.

I had to give up most forms of exercise because of the condition but yoga was the only thing that I could hold on to, I've been doing yoga for around 5 years now but I'm so anxious that I wont be able to do it anymore once I have the ICD fitted.

[ChewieMatt in reply to YogaAtHeart]

Hello. Sorry to hear about the ARVC, but great news about the ICD. I know that may sound strange but I feel lucky that this tech exists to keep me out of trouble.

I felt like I was getting inconsistent, slightly ambiguous advice about exercising from doctors and consultants after my diagnosis and ICD fitting. I was worried about stretching the device and wires too much, or doing something too intensely so that it triggered a shock.

In reality the first 6 weeks you don’t do much and then start to gradually build and increase movement.

In terms of intensity, I started swimming again and rarely allow myself to go above 130 bpm, but only you know how much is too much. I stay safe but I also want to stay fit.

In terms of movement, don’t worry. It will feel stiff for a while and you will naturally feel cautious, but over time you will be able to do most moves, except the back bend/crab maybe?! Yoga had made me stronger than ever, and I would never have started doing it had this not happened. Every cloud and all that.

I have to say that life is actually better now. I take things slower, appreciate life and spend more time with my kids. I can go some days without realising I have an ICD, it’s just there now and always will be. The ARVC will too, but with the ICD, that bit is under control.

I hope everything goes well and you manage to adjust. It’s not ideal but I came so close to dying, I’m grateful it was caught in time and I get to live life anew.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I got in this forum in the first place to find guidance, so happy to provide it in return.

All the best

Matt

[YogaAtHeart]

Thanks so much for your response, I'm so relieved. It's hard to get my head around everything thats happening at the moment but reading about your experience has definitely given me some piece of mind.

I was wondering if when doing yoga you can ever feel the wires or feel if you're stretching a little too far? Also, I have requested that mine is placed under the muscle to make sure it is less visible, how do you find yours in terms of visibility?

I'm pleased that you still manage to live a fit life as that's something I would like to continue doing too.

Thanks again,

Jade

[ChewieMatt]

No problem at all.

I did worry about stretching the wires too, but they are pretty robust. Front crawl is no problem, for example, but I wouldn’t try Butterfly as it would feel like a bit too much, also it’s really hard!

Mine isn’t under the muscle. I wasn’t given a choice but I don’t mind it and you can’t see it if I have a top on. I have a Medtronic, which is quite slim. I’m hoping in 10 years, when it needs changing, the new one will be the size of a poker chip!

Let me know if you want to know anything else. If not, best of luck with everything and I’m glad I’ve been able to help a bit.

Matt

[Kirstiew in reply to ChewieMatt]

hi - hopeful your still on here. I’m 47 and shocked as just been told I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and have had an ICD fitted - metronic, same as yours

I swim masters level and lakes long distance swims, triathlons and was part way through hiking the wi weight summits in uk.

I was interested re the swim return you mention. I’m two weeks post op and asked for device to be implanted beneath the pectoral muscle to make repetitive arm movement easier. I’m also worried re accidental discharge of shock in the water. I’m happy that reality it will be pool based now not open water but want to continue maybe 3 times a week masters level.

how did you return ? First sessions? Can the device move or wires? I struggle to read the HR on my watch in pool? Does it affect stroke? Am I over thinking it?

Thank you

Kirstie

[ChewieMatt in reply to Kirstiew]

Hi. Sorry to hear you’ve had a tough time. I was told to leave it for 6 weeks to heal properly. After that, I wouldn’t worry about the wires, it will have been fitted to facilitate free movement. Mine isn’t under the muscle and I have no problems. In terms of swimming, it sounds like you are at a very high level and I suppose the temptation would be to continue where you left off. I was a very keen runner and just had to stop overnight. I’d really advise slowly getting back into it. Go at 75%, rest every 10 lengths, just enjoy it. You will build back confidence but may accept you have to go a bit slower/less intense and listen to your body. I also do a bit of yoga and I’ve never felt better. I view it as a blessing in disguise as I’ve had to slow life down a bit and spend more time with family, whilst also staying fit, knowing I’ll still be swimming in 30 years. I hope you’re able to find a new rhythm of life, good luck.

Thanks

Matt

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