As per title. I have just had my pacemaker changed for a ICD following a cardiac arrest 7 weeks ago. The cause was VF which was logged on the previous pacemaker.
I have come out of it remarkably well considering. I have been using my indoor trainer to slowly get back a bit of fitness and eventually will be looking to get back outside.
So, my main question is if you have an ICD fitted how have you dealt with the dilemma / anxiety that it could activate whilst out riding. 50% of my rides are solo. For clarity my VF happened whilst sat still at the kitten island. so I am aware it can happen anytime.
He's not a cyclist, but my niece's husband has one (for a genetic condition thickening the heart wall IIRC). His main concern seems to be the anxiety caused by the thought of it. Advice seems to be get on with life and try to relax, so getting out on the bike would tick that box? Is your concern triggering it or being alone/remote if it triggers?
It's not something I know a great deal about, but if you had a cardiac arrest just 7 weeks ago (I was off work for 8 weeks following a major heart attack) you must still be under medical supervision and I'd asking there.
Having been discharged (following 3 heart attacks) my point of advice would be the British Heart Foundation and they have lots of info. of ICDs. It seems to suggest that non-contact exercise is important but advises talking through things at the ICD clinic.
Heal well 👍
They may have already given you this leaflet at the hospital.
Thanks for the replies.
I'm at one with the fact i will be out by myself. I'm sure as I ease back into riding my mtb with others I'll just put it to the back of my mind. But, I do work with a guy who has a ICD and road rides. Every year or so I get photos of him in A&E beaten up where it's shocked him and he's hit the deck. Fortunately he's not been clipped by a car yet.
I have just had a pacing check at six weeks and have a fitness assessment later this week. I'm already up to 45mins zone 2(keepin it steady) on the indoor trainer and have started body weight training again. So, as mentioned have come remarkable well. Also back at work as a carpenter.
I'll take a look at at BHF link
Thanks
Glad to hear you are recovering well. The anxiety about solo rides is completely understandable, but the device is your ultimate safety net. Maybe stick to familiar loops and use live location sharing with family while you build up your confidence.
I had an ICD fitted 16 months ago after a cardiac arrest during a CrossFit class. I’m back cycling and doing CrossFit. The biggest change I have made is I all ways wear a heart rate monitor and make sure I warm up properly and try to not let my heart rate spike. Mentally I have had to stop treating everything as a competition and learn to back off when required. I don’t worry about being shocked I know what the ICD is set to below 33 or over 188. I don’t know what age you are, I’m 68 and not letting it dictate what I can and can’t do.
