Bicycling in aero position + PM?

Is there a problem with the normal PM position and bicycling in a typical aero/racing posture, where the upper body bent low and the arms forward to a handlebar positioned forward and low? Bad description, but bicyclists hopefully know exactly what I mean...

I am having a bivent PM implanted soon, and as I was training on my indoors rollers tonight, I realized perhaps a PM would be noticeable and in the way for such a bike riding posture..

Can any bicyclists help me out with this question?

10 Comments

indeed

by realkarl - 2010-01-05 04:01:13

I just sent my cardio/EP the question right now, via my HMO's convenient e-mail system. We shall see how he responds. I am glad I got to bring the issue up ahead of time :)

Thanks

by realkarl - 2010-01-05 04:01:19

I will definitely mention it then, both for the bicycling and wearing of (sometimes) heavy backbacks, and hear what he suggests.

backpacks

by Tracey_E - 2010-01-05 04:01:25

You're more likely to have problems with a backpack than the bike if they do a shallow placement. Bike, I'd say your odds are better than 50/50 that it'll be ok wherever they put it. If you surveyed them, very few of the members here would tell you they can carry a heavy backpack. It's simple enough to alter the location slightly, but most people don't know to ask before their implant and most surgeons put it in the simplest location and never think beyond that. I didn't know to ask, I just got lucky having a young and active surgeon who though ahead for me.

options

by Tracey_E - 2010-01-05 04:01:52

Depending on your build and your surgeon, you may feel it in a racing posture if the pm is placed directly under the clavicle and just under the skin, the usual placement. Some people have more problems than others. Tell the dr that this is a concern for you and discuss your options beforehand. They should be able to put it lower and a bit deeper, or possibly under the muscle. Recovery is a bit longer when it's buried, but it's less in the way for sports. Mine is submammary (not an option for you guys!) and it never holds me back at the gym, hiking with a heavy backpack, or biking. My back can't take my racing bike anymore so I stick to the hybrid, but I used to love it. I've had a pm since 1993.

Talk to your doc

by COBradyBunch - 2010-01-05 04:01:56

While I didn't think of this scenario in particular when I was told I needed a PM immediately I did talk to my doc about placement and possible issues with the activities I do (one of which is cycling). He should go over your options (make sure to ask about impact on recovery time for certain placements) and should work with you on this if there is an issue.

As for your particular question I cycle and have not had an issue with my particular placement in any kind of cycling or in any position.

Bicycle

by Quemal - 2010-01-05 05:01:38

I am not a racer, more of a long distance bicycle tourer. I had my device implanted back in July. I asked about bicycling, and was told it was OK, but had to wait a month before riding. Since then, I have been able to ride, but not like I could before.

I still have problems taking the smallest of hills, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations etc.

Also, ask you Doc, if there is an upper limit set to your PM. In other words, is there an upper limit your PM will allow your heart to beat.

Aero position is OK

by hungryheart - 2010-01-05 06:01:48

I'm a bike racer and have had no problem with the PM in the aero position. My PM is a couple inches south of the collar bone. The only problem was the initial setting was too low and they had to increase the max because the PM wouldn't let the heart beat as fast as it needed when the bike line speeded up from 25 to 30 mph. They upped it and it's fine now.

abit niave

by roadbiker - 2010-01-05 11:01:15

Well, I got my pacemaker on thursday and 9 days later I hopped on my carbon-fiber Bianchi and did an easy 10 miles with the local club... just to give the new hardware a try. No bad effects climbing or anywhere else. Told my Cardiologist what I did and he looked like he swallowed a cat or something. Then told me to take it easy.... I have sick sinus syndrom and I am not totally PM dependent. Dont know if that makes a difference. But the PM is set at 60 low end and unlimited on top with no pacing from movement detection. I have run my HR up to 162 on the trainer and no ill effects. So I guess you just have to give it a shot. Try not to crash on the pacemaker side. Roadbiker

Pacer dependent cyclist

by FirstDuely - 2010-01-06 01:01:53

I also have SSS with a Medtronic Adapta DL pacer. I ride alot on the road and used to feel tension over the pacer. Not any longer. No irritation, just took time. I am totally paced; at least that is what the doc says. Low now set at 60, high at 140 but I don't think that is high enough...will discuss at next Loma Linda Heart clinic session with Dr. Isaeff.
Hungryheart: I, too, have problems keeping up with the pace line at times. I just run out of gas (oxygen) and hit the wall. Some days I do much better, others I just cannot push hard enough to do much over 18 to 20. Wish I could find out the best settings for an active person....and by that I mean ALL the settings that get printed out for me to take home and look at. I don't really know what each reading means nor how changing each changes my overall performance. But I do know that I WANT to know so I can push this almost 60 year old body farther and faster when I ride or do any other physical activity.
roadbiker: My doctor also advises me to slow down and take it easy but I cannot do this. It is not me.
BTW, roadbiker: I have ridden up Lamb's Canyon a few times to Beaumont. Would be cool to ride with you sometime. I have a really great bunch of people I ride with around here and mostly my age or older. One guy has had a triple bypass and is 76 years old and still can out ride me. I blame the pm, of course ;)

Bivent (CRT)

by realkarl - 2010-01-06 03:01:03

I have a Left Bundle Block Branch with reduced EF, but with a normal sinus beat, so I will not be pacer dependent as the device will be a biventricular (CRT) PM. I don't expect there to be a high or low limit on the device, I am just hoping the device will increase my EF and aerobic capacity back to where it used to be.

Thanks again.

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I, too, am feeling tons better since my implant.