Hi,
Last year I was given an ICD implant and wondering how far I can go with exercise. I have tried to get back running, but struggling a bit. My daughter and I used to walk the Munro's in Scotland, but not sure if the distance or altitude is something a bit too much of a challenge. Appreciate if anyone out there can let me know if they have done hill walking and their experience.
Hello
Look for the couch 2 5k on here and maybe you could follow the course to get you back running.
Or maybe you could go walking first and build it up or try a treadmill.
Thanks, found link
I had my ICD in 2011; still going strong. You ARE carrying your GTN spray, AREN`T you? Listen to your body and initially take a whiff before climbing(mound, hill, tor, etc.) You will adapt, but RELAX and take it easy. Two miles a day....that`s what we were told in Rehab.Good luck.
Hi like you I have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Like you I had a Icd fitted in April 2021 at the Royal Brompton in London
Although I live in Lincoln
I’ve always tried to keep myself fit
Do my tread mill and walk into town etc
I was told I could do my normal exercise
But I take Beta blockers and don’t get to far these days
Although it’s getting better
However the reason I have my Icd is because they found a rhythm that contributes towards sudden death
So I don’t think I want to go mountain climbing 🤣these days
My dad dropped dead from sudden death but it was a long time ago
But he was only 53 years old he didn’t get a second chance
But ask your specialist your heart might be in good condition and you can do these things
He should be able to advice you
Although all the books say people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy should do light moderate exercise 😊👍🏻 But you have an Icd
So you may be ok
Thanks. I get a lot of conflicting info. Speaking to the Cardiologist at the hospital he says I should be able to carry on as normal, but every time I mention exercise he says that's too much.🥺
Hi I've had a heart attack and stent fitted at the beginning of June. I've walked the Munros and many other type of hills and the Himalayas for 30+ years. There lots of little hills around Scotland you should focus on them with your daughter or friends first or join a hiking club see how you get on before tackling the more remote hills. Take a navigation course as well. Good luck. Don't go on your own till your more experience and fitter.🙂
Hi,
I’ve got Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. I had am ICD fitted in 2019, and last year did one of the Munro’s. It was not problem. I didn’t even give it a second thought. Maybe pop off an email to your cardiologist. Good luck!
Hi Micky,
I don't have an ICD, but have had a heart attack, stents and a triple bypass. I walk Munros with a 10kg backpack to enjoy my other interest of amateur radio. I try to get a couple ascended in a day to get myself some value for the 350 ~ 400 mile drive.
I would suggest that you work your way back to doing Munros. There's plenty of lovely smaller hills which will challenge you enough as you regain your hill fitness. I assume that you will be going with your daughter, but maybe initially you could try some of the more popular summits so there are people around.. . the wilderness can come later! I don't know where you are located, but don't discount the effort required to drive to where you will be walking.
All the best. Maybe we will pass one another one day.
Gerald
Thanks, maybe a good idea to start smaller.
After my heart attack, I went out with my friend in the Southern Uplands. If you're further north, then there's plenty of decent hills that will provide a challenge.
Thanks, identified a corbett close by 675m, I’ll let you know how I get on
Sounds like a plan. I'm sure you'll find it enjoyable. 😀
My husband had an ICD fitted in 2019 when he had a mitral valve repair. Mountains are everything to him. Last year we went walking in Scotland including a munro or two. We walked the Cumbria Way this year and a week doesn’t go by when he doesn’t climb hills of all sizes here in the Brecon Beacons. He too used to run regularly but finds that more challenging now. Some days on the hill are harder than others but we take it at a steady pace and always celebrate the views and the perspective the mountains give. Making it happen in a safe and comfortable way is possible. Enjoy!
HI Micky. Having an ICD shouldn't be a barrier. I'm on my second one now and still cycle, currently on 3000km for the year. I would say build it back up, you know how you feel and where your limits are, start smaller and build back up. In my head, the ICD is protection and not a deterrent for what I want to do.
Thanks, a number of smaller hills close by, worth building up
Hi Micky looks like you have plenty of comments on this. I don't have an ICD or Cardiomyopathy but have Heart Failure after an MI on a Munro followed by Cardiac Arrest later in A&E, angioplasty and 3 stents. All of this was 9 years ago. I was encouraged by Cardiac nurses to keep exercising and worked my way back onto the Munros after 18 months. I just walked increasing distances early morning for months then short routes up some Lake District Hills in the first year. Living south of London my continued Munro bagging has so far been squashed into 7 & 10 day breaks. I managed 12 over 10 days with 2 rest days then another 10 over 5 days with one rest day on two subsequent trips. I now do 12 mile walks with the local Ramblers once a week swim at least twice a week and use the gym to maintain muscle bulk and upper body strength. I get breathless on steeper slopes but keep going at a slower pace. Best advice I had is don't give up but listen to your body and do what feels right. Good luck with your recovery. We might meet on a distant hill someday.
Thanks for your advice. Going to start a bit lower and work my way back up to a Munro
Icd 
ICD
ICD/Defibrillator implant imminent.
