Skiing/Snowboarding with an S-ICD

[Turtle_Salmon]

I’ve had an S-ICD implanted for almost a year and I am back to doing most of the things I love. I am keen to go snowboarding though and have some concerns about what might happen if I fall on my device or take a big fall in general while snowboarding. Has anyone done any snow sports with an S-ICD and got any advice?

[Heythrop51]

You need to talk to your medics. A serious impact could damage or trigger the device! Are you on blood thinners as that would be another factor.

[Turtle_Salmon in reply to Heythrop51]

Hi thanks for commenting. I’ve had mixed responses from Cardiologist, some saying I shouldn’t do it and some saying I could if I’m cautious. I’m not on blood thinners, so I’m not too concerned about having a cardio issue, more worried about a direct impact on my ICD if I fall awkwardly.

[sturon]

Hi.

In general you are advised not to participate in 'contact sport' like football or rugby. Given the danger of damaging your devise if you had a hard fall it would be best to seek advise. If you are able to pad and protect the area your devise is implanted you may be okay. Given that the whole point of having and S-ICD implant is to be able to live as normal a life as possible it would be a shame if you couldn't do what you love.

My partner had his S-ICD implant two years ago following a cardiac arrest. We are living now just as we did before. The only thing he can't do is be near the induction hob - he didn't get near it before so no change really.

All the very best.

[SpiritoftheFloyd in reply to sturon]

Love your last comment about the hob - at least now he has a legitimate reason 😊

[Turtle_Salmon in reply to sturon]

Thank you for the comment. I am definitely trying to live my life as normally as I can, so I’ve tried to make some padding and impact protection I can wear over my ICD. Hoping this, and avoiding falling awkwardly, will be enough to prevent any issues.

[Hanibil]

Hi I am a keen skier had a crt-d implant last May so haven’t been skiing since but can’t wait to go, have read lots on net about skiing with the implanted and doesn’t seem to be a problem, I have been taking warfarin since 2005 due to a valve replacement and have skied every year since then without problems. Take care and enjoy yourself.

[MEW123]

Hello, I had an S-ICD implanted last May, I'm now 44 and used to love contact sports and snowboarding, don’t really need to do them now, but can understand you wanting to at your age. When I have asked my consultant what I can and cannot do he just says most things are OK, so my approach is to do my own risk assessment with worst case scenario. I use the induction hob without issue so far but stand mostly side on using my right hand and avoid leaning over it. Worst case, it sets it off? Snowboarding, you could fall and damage the unit and then it may not be able to deliver the required shock if needed until replaced after a further operation. Low intensity skiing on prepared slopes maybe? Wish you all the best.

[not2worry]

Just be aware of how altitudes can affect your body as well. And snow board with a friend who knows your situation and has an emergency contact number for assistance. Check with your doc as well. He’s the final decision maker on this one.

Have fun and remember your limitations - snowboarding can be exhilarating to say the least and the endorphins can be so pumped you may be tempted to go over-board

[Kimkat]

I don’t have a s-icd but a pacemaker. Whilst skiing a couple of years ago I met a guy who had one and apart from not going through the terminals at the lifts he was fine. Obviously none of us want to fall on the slopes but I’ve had a few ‘rough’ tumbles and I’m fine, however I would check with your cardio team before you book up. Good luck