strength training with an ICD

• by ScoobyT
• 2015-07-13 01:07:07
• Exercise & Sports
• 5045 views
• 2 comments

I've had an ICD since 2001 and at 37 am on my 3rd device. I was originally diagnosed in 1992 with a dilated cardiomyopathy due to a viral infection. Since that time we've discovered it to be genetic. My mother was diagnosed at 45 and died at 57 after a number of complications. My brother recently had a heart transplant just before his 30th birthday. I luckily have been somewhat stable, but have had treatment since I was 14.

Over that period of time I've struggled with sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, PTSD (from excessive firings), and excessive weight (caused by thyroid removal due to complications with meds). Weight training has always been the most cathartic way for me to emotionally deal with my condition. Aside from the mental benefit I've always physically felt the best when training in this manner. It should be noted that I don't necessarily lift heavy all the time, but have "tested the waters" with my strength and tried some max lifts from time to time. Most of the time though I'm using bodyweight and anywhere between 15 and 135 pounds depending on the exercise.

As with most cases like this; I've almost always been told that I should never lift weights with my condition. I only ever had one cardiologist who approved of moderate weight lifting while I was in my late teens and early twenties. Ironically enough my symptoms were the least pronounced at that time and I was on only two meds. Since that time I have been put on amiodarone to help control an increased arrhythmia, metoprolol, spironolactone, lisinopril, levothyroxine (since my thyroid was removed due to the side effects of the amiodarone), and warfarin. When meds could no longer control my symptoms I had the ICD implanted on the recommendation of my doctors. Ever since that time I've struggled with the depression and anxiety mentioned previously. I've attempted therapy only to be told that I should be taking antidepressants. I don't like the idea of adding another med to my daily intake so I've elected to do without it.

After a long hiatus from the gym due to depression and a litany of other things I joined a new gym at the beginning of the year. For the last 6 months now I've been working out at a strength and conditioning gym (not Crossfit!!!) and had excellent results. I've also changed my diet to a more primal (www.marksdailyapple.com) or paleo diet. At 6"1' (with a naturally stalky frame) I'm 261 pounds. When I joined the gym back in January I was 293 pounds. This was in part due to a very poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and my TSH level being in the teens. Based on my size and build and ideal weight for me has always been between 210 and 220 pounds. At my leanest (13% body fat) I was 226 pounds but felt great. I'm hoping to get there by year's end.

However, after a recent episode of AFib at the gym my doctors are telling me to discontinue this type of activity. Again, I'm being told to consider walking and low aerobic activities as good forms of exercise. After going years without feeling my device shock or pace me out of an event I'm starting to feel anxiety again when attempting anything physically exerting. I haven't been able to go back to the gym in two weeks or even participate in a much lighter modified regimen like yoga without becoming anxious about the device kicking in.

I'm hoping that someone has either had a similar situation, knows someone who has had a similar situation, or is a medical professional treating patients with this condition who could offer some additional advice. All opinions are welcome. I'm just looking for some solace and a little confidence booster. Thanks.