27-Year-Old Marathon Runner -- Getting PM

I am a 27-year-old marathon runner. I have run four marathons and, incidentally, plan to run the Boston Marathon in two weeks.

After experiencing some heart flutters, I had a series of tests done that revealed that I have bradycardia as a result of a problem with my heart's "electrical system." I had an EKG and echo. I also wore a heart monitor for 24 hours, which revealed that, while sleeping, my heart beat went down to 21 BPM. It further revealed that there were up to 4.4 seconds in between beats while sleeping and two seconds in between beats during the day. I am currently scheduled for a stress test. Based on these tests, my cardiologist recommended a PM.

I should also add that this appears to be a genetic problem. My mother has had bradycardia since she was in her 20s and received a pacemaker in her 40s. My grandmother also has bradycardia.

My question is, after getting a PM, will I still be able to run at the same level that I am currently running. I would also appreciate any other general advice. Thanks!

11 Comments

Update

by tsjrun - 2013-04-02 02:04:53

Thanks for all the input!

I actually spoke to my cardiologist this morning. He seems to be against running the Boston Marathon until I get the PM; however, he did not provide any specific concerns other than general health reasons why one should not run a marathon. He also seems to think I should get a PM soon.

Any thoughts? I think I am going to seek a second opinion. I am trying to find a cardiologist in the Washington, DC area who also deals with sports medicine, but am having a difficult time.

electrophysiologist

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-02 04:04:50

Rather than a cardiologist, look for an ep, a cardiologist that specializes in electrical problems. Cardiologists are basically plumbers. It's nearly impossible to find one that deals in sports medicine because there aren't enough of us out here with the need. My cardiologist is a runner, his NP goes to my gym and my St Judes rep (who does the programming on my pm) is also a runner and covers a large area so he has other young active patients. I couldn't have planned it that well if I tried but they've always been very responsive when I had problems working out.

Can you get the stress test before the marathon? That might tell you more, help figure out whether he has legitimate concerns or simply worried about malpractice.

Running

by pacergirl - 2013-04-02 10:04:18

I'd say, with the information you have provided, and I'm no doctor, but get the pacemaker. Why risk it? I also believe you can still run afterwards... after you heal and with your dr. permission. There are runners here who do have pacemakers. Be patient and they will chime in as soon as they finish their run.

Best of luck!
pacergirl

Hmmm

by Moner - 2013-04-02 10:04:43

Hi Tsjrun,

I hope some of the resident experts will join in and help with this question. (e.g., Snitch, TraceyE, Electric Frank).

You are definitely a conditioned athlete, especially since you've qualified to run the Boston Marathon. As you know, low heart rates are very common in athletes.

You've mentioned that your tests revealed a 4.4 seconds in between beats, it's my understanding that 6 seconds begins the criteria for canidates for a pacemaker.

I would seek a second opinion at this time, if I were you.

I'm a jogger myself, I jog 40-45 miles a week, I haven't noticed any setbacks since I've had this implanted, but it still weighs on my mind wondering if I made the right choice getting this pacemaker implanted.

I'm curious to hear other peoples respones from this post.

Moner
>^..^<



running

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-02 11:04:47

There are Olympic athletes, triathletes, marathon runners who have had pacemakers. I'm not that level but hike and ski most vacations and do Crossfit 5 days a week, not bad for a middle aged mom :) So, no, a pacemaker should not hold you back. You may find that you have more energy since you won't be dipping low at night anymore.

What is causing the brady? Brady is just a slow heart rate, more of a symptom than a diagnosis. If it's caused from the sinus node, the way you pace will be different than if it's from an av block.

2 seconds between beats during the day- ask if that is the sinus node pausing or if the atria is beating but the ventricles are not. Our pulse comes from the ventricular beats. If the signal is not getting through, then the heart is out of sync which is harder on your body than the atria simply missing a beat. If this is happening while you run, it will affect your performance.

See what the stress test shows and what the cardiologist has to say before making a decision but it was me, I'd probably lean towards getting it taken care of sooner rather than later. Yes, athletes have lower heart rates in general but 20's is too low, even for a conditioned athlete. Pauses are never good though by themselves yours are short enough that it doesn't necessarily need treated.

You can still run

by ma_ku - 2013-04-03 06:04:42

I had a PM implanted 6 weeks ago. I am also a regular runner, 41 years old. I have 2nd degree heart block Mobitz Type 2 and am not pacemaker dependent. However, my symptoms were very mild, with the odd dizzy spell, and an irregular heartbeat at rest. I was stunned to be told that I needed a pacemaker and was also very worried about it affecting my ability to run. I got a second opinion from a sports cardiologist who ran extra stress tests, ultrasounds etc. He gave a 60/40 recommendation for implantation. I am still doubting if I made the right decision to go ahead, but I couldn't really take the chance not to, being the father of a 4 year old.

I have my first checkup tomorrow and I am hoping that a lead hasn't dislodged. I have been pretty active since the day after implantation, walking every day the first, week bringing in cycling the second week, and by day 15 or so I started running again. I am now arguably more active than before implantation, exercising 5 or 6 days a week rather than 3 or 4. My pace has not declined. I will always doubt that I needed this thing though and I will never get used to the lump under my skin..

Mark

Exercise after pacemaker

by Grateful1 - 2013-04-04 08:04:41

Hello!

I was a well conditioned athelete as well and developed a very low resting heart rate. I finally had a syncope episode the caused my heart to pause 40 seconds several times. I needed a pacer so I got one. I has some complications originally so I have a pacemaker in my abdomen with an epicardial lead. My pacer was implanted May 2012. I work out 6 days a week, spinning, cardio etc. You will need some recovery time but you will get back at it! My pacer does not stop me, it is there to save my life if I need it to! Lucky that I have something that can help me!

Best of luck!

go for it!!

by gulliver80 - 2013-04-09 12:04:57

Hi T

Hopefully this may help but remember every case is different - however it may help.

I will attempt to write this for a second time as the first attempt crashed!! This is a post which resonates quite well with me - your obviously very fit and this whole discussion is no doubt playing heavily on your mind. O a plus side, your telling the tale which is fantastic as the reality is some people are not so fortunate. Tracey E has made some valuable points, the symptoms you describe will not be benefiting your current running performance so any help will make you run quicker - that may make you smile as you read!!

I had a combination of symptoms when i took ill nearly two years ago, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, tiredness, dizzy etc and this all resulted in a 7 weeks hospital stay and a ICD device implanted - all for obstructive cardiomyopathy. I boxed competitively for 12 years as an amateur up until being taken ill, running the mainstay of making weight. my times were 3.30 for marathon, 1.29 for half’s, 40 mins 10k etc so whilst i wasnt an elite runner i could hold my own. I also had bradycardia, resting HR 29 and a sleeping hr of between 10-13 during the night. I guess i am telling you this because i wanted to give you my background so you appreciate we have some synergy. I was also told that my sporting career was over, no more running, cycling, boxing (I could except that as i was 30 and starting to think about giving something back in a coaching capacity...) but to be told it was all over was hard to deal with. Cardios are amazing, they really are and i respect all doctors for what they do ------------------------------------------- However, its ok to challenge them and ask all the questions you have in your mind. I did and whilst we were on collision course as patient/doctor we got there in the end. I was always asking for proof, proof that i couldnt train, why?! what will happen? statistics..... and whilst i was a pain the ass i and the team of cardios came to the conclusion that i would do what i wanted anyway!!!

If you are being recommended a PM then take it. I would also say get it implanted subpectorally as well - if you’re planning on continuing to wear the running vest then aesthetically its not as visible ( I did and my icd is a lot bigger than a PM)
You never mentioned about any other symptoms but take the PM - if anything and as Tracey say - it may be a blessing in disguise!! If you want to know anything else, please shout. You have found a good site here mate, the knowledge and help is invaluable.

Ready to run again

by fletch49 - 2013-04-14 05:04:34

Had PM implanted on March 19, 2013. My cardiologist gave me the okay to begin running again when I saw him on April 11th. That is just 3 weeks and 2 days after the surgery. I am going out for my first run today, April 14. This is just 2 days shy of 4 weeks since the PM was implanted. I will post later as to how the run, etc went.

Ready to run again...follow-up

by fletch49 - 2013-04-17 10:04:12

Ran Sunday and Wednesday this week. Just 4 weeks after my pacemaker implant. Felt out of shape from 4 weeks of inactivity but had no problem with the runs. I am a little over worried with this new experience of running with a pacemaker. But, everyone says not to worry and just keep on running. I plan to.

Staying Positive

by LeeT - 2013-04-22 11:04:16

I had my PM surgery in Jan 2013. My PM is 70% I have some dizzyness very slights pains pluse 65 - 80 BP 147/67-80. Haven't returned to the gym for 4 months because I am unable to determined if I am well enough to return. My heart rate is irregular with some short 2 sec pauses when checked at home. I love working out lifting weights 30 min treadmill however, I not as yet in the gym I have been active 22 years. Now 70yrs old exercised most of my adult life. Clearly not an elite but rather a history of consistent physical fitness and well defined muscle tone. Perhaps some of you might drop me a message based on your experience and offer some direction. Thank you, very much appreciate any advice offered. Lee Roy

You know you're wired when...

Your ICD has a better memory than you.

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