Running performance with 3rd degree heartblock

Hi fellow Pacemakers,
New to the group and my first post. I was diagnosed with 2nd degree AV Mobitz II characterized by an unexpected nonconducted atrial impulse, bradycardia, afib, sinus node dysfunction and Right Bundle Branch block. I was before diagnosis an avid runner with an avg. pace of 8 minute miles. Now, I struggle to achieve 12 minute miles. My doc has performed stress test with treadmill and was not able to determine any significant issues, however with the biotronik PM, the levels were set for 60/140. He says there were limitations due to my 3rd degree HB and rapid heart rate. My meds are 100 mg flecianide 2x day, and BP medication. Yesterday, the doc changed my PM to Boston Scientific K174. The PM specialist is optimistic it can be tweeked for better running performance such as a higher max. tracking rate. I am currently at about 3% afib. My question is has anyone else with my like conditions struggled with their running pace and improved their times with adjusting the pacemaker? Thanks for your time.

9 Comments

running

by wjs1954 - 2014-08-23 03:08:00

I have a Medtronic pm, did have some issue when they first turned RR on. Now after a couple if adjustments it is much better. Good luck my cardiologist said very tough to get it on target for runners (active people) . However working with her and the PM rep and puting me on a treadmill so they could see what was happening, all worked out pretty good.

running

by wjs1954 - 2014-08-23 03:08:00

Also I did not have all the issue you were/are having.
My PM was for SSS and slow HR
Good luck

Hi jclong....................

by Tattoo Man - 2014-08-23 03:08:41


....................Pacemaker + Running.....now this is, for some the Holy Grail Question.

I have my RR switched off...my Techies know about my running. I am very low dependant,..as in 1% upper and 4% lower..min set at 50 bpm.

11 min / miles are now my norm...at 64 going on 65 y/o I remind myself that, looking round at the start of races, I am surrounded by people my kids age and plenty my grandkids age.

JC...just, maybe, time to take stock ??

Keep on running .

Tattoo Man

running

by Tracey_E - 2014-08-23 04:08:15

Runners with just av block generally have no problems. As long as your upper limit is set higher than what your atria gets up to, you should be able to run as before. If you have other issues, esp ones that require beta blockers or other meds that slow the heart, they make it harder. We can run, but the meds keep our rate lower than it would be on its own and the heart from beating as hard as it wants to. I run 5x a week and can't get under an 11 min mile. Frustrating!

running and weight gain

by ldrn - 2014-08-24 05:08:19

This is my first post as i am new to the group. I had a Medtronic pacemaker put in for SSS 9 weeks ago. since then i have returned to treadmill jogging and lifing weights as before and have not changed my diet. However,I have gained about 7 lbs!!I am not liking that! I am a nurse and I am very aware of diet and exercise. I stay active, just cant figure out what the deal is with the weight gain. It is harder to get my heartrate up to the 150's where it used to go when I would run. now the max stays around 130-140. I am 57. Any ideas anyone?

ldrn

by Tracey_E - 2014-08-25 10:08:44

If you have SSS then you are likely using rate response to get your rate up with exercise. It has a number of settings and it can take a few tries to get it right for you. I'd call and ask them to check the settings.

Are you on new meds? I gained when I went on beta blockers, they slow down more than just your heart rate.

I think it's also common to gain when we're off our feet for a while with surgery. I'll say I'm not eating more but if I think back, maybe a little more junk here, an extra snack there adds up, esp when we're moving around a less than usual for a few weeks. Once we get back to exercise, we aren't immediately able to perform at the level we did before. Don't sweat it, just tighten up and it'll come right off again.

jclong....................

by Tattoo Man - 2014-08-26 05:08:39


..................good advice here.......

It may come as no surprise that competitive people, ..post PM,..find themselves in some kind of ...Hmmm..Whatever..state.

I know this well...I can not offer anything called advice....

I might share my experience/s

If you run..Then Run

If you have a PM..then run

If you can see the perfection in the green leaves of our fantastic summer..then run

GET out is the best medicine

Tattoo Man

not done yet

by jclong41 - 2014-08-26 11:08:02

Thanks for all your comments. I am sure the medications are slowing me down, flecianide, lisinopril maybe. I have to admit the joy of running has been a bit lost since the PM. I cant reach that high i once had when the endorphens kicked in, but running is in my blood. I run to release, think, and stay sane. I will run till I die

glidermikey

by glidermikey - 2014-08-29 01:08:54

Has anyone had to deal with the techie's fear of Pacemaker Mediated Tachycardia (PMT)? I have been a runner for many years and had my PM put in six months ago. The techie raised my PM ceiling rate to 160 beats/min, but said he could not shorten the atrial-ventricular response time any more due to the possibility of PMT. Consequently, I still drop beats when I hit 120 beats per minute or so. I'd appreciate any comments. Thanks.

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Member Quotes

I'm 35 and got my pacemaker a little over a year ago. It definitely is not a burden to me. In fact, I have more energy (which my husband enjoys), can do more things with my kids and have weight because of having the energy.