Magnet Woes

To all:
I tried out an exercise bike today and learned that these new-fangled bikes use magnetic resistance to add drag.
I felt a little woozy... like you feel after the pacer checkup when they stick a magnet on your chest to fool around with your heart.
Does anyone have any info on whether these magnetic resistance devices on exercise bikes are safe for pacers or not? I can't find anything on the internet about it.
Any help or direction to an informative website would be much appreciated.
Thanks
- Gene

2 Comments

Should be ok

by MSPACER - 2007-12-30 08:12:47

Is it the type where you attach your own bicycle to the trainer? I have one and have no problem. It should not interfere with your pacer. The magnet is on the bottom where the back wheel sits, so you are far from it.

Shouldn't be a problem

by ElectricFrank - 2007-12-31 01:12:14

The magnetic used for resistance pretty much contains its field to the metal flywheel and shouldn't affect the pacermaker ,unless yours is implanted in your foot (:

Actually most of the newer pacers don't even use a magnet as part of the programming. I have a Medtronics Kappa 701 with a telephone monitor. The monitor puck has a symbol on the underside that indicates it is non magnetic. I keep forgetting to ask the Medtronics rep about it.

The woozy feeling more likely happens on a bike if you increase your exercise rate too fast for the pacer to keep up. This is a problem with rate response because bike type activity doesn;t move the upper part of your body like walking or running does. Next time you try the bike watch your pulse rate to see if it increases appropriately.

I had just the opposite happen with running an electric jack hammer. My HR went to the upper limit in just a few minutes. I was able to get the rate response turned off since I have normal sinus rhythm.

best,
frank

You know you're wired when...

Your signature looks like an EKG.

Member Quotes

The pacer systems are really very reliable. The main problem is the incompetent programming of them. If yours is working well for you, get on with life and enjoy it. You probably are more at risk of problems with a valve job than the pacer.