FAQ

Yes, you can ride a bike with an ICD. However, if using a stationary exercise bike, keep the wheel magnet at least 15cm (6 inches) away from your heart device. Always check with your doctor or device clinic if you have any specific concerns.

They may feel something if you are touching them when you receive a shock, just as they might if you were touching out of the water. They will not be affected differently because you are in a pool.

Remember to discuss exercise with your doctor and follow any recommendations based on your health needs.

Some physical activities may be restricted depending on your medical condition or concerns about physical stress on your ICD. Consult with your doctor about activities to avoid, if any.

While ICD components are protected in titanium cases, you should still avoid activities that may involve hard physical contact.

Pressure ratings can vary among ICD models. Typical diving depths can range from 50 to 100 feet. Always check with your doctor about scuba diving restrictions.

Skiing will not interfere with your ICD. Whether you are able to ski depends on your overall medical condition and your cardiologist’s guidance, not the device itself.

Most people return to skiing and other physical activities after a full recovery from ICD implantation. Discuss any concerns with your cardiologist before you travel, particularly if you have an exercise-triggered condition, or if high altitude is relevant to your heart condition.

Exposure to pressures greater than 4 ATA is not recommended. That means diving no deeper than about 100 feet or 30 meters in seawater. Talk to your doctor about that and about any other concerns with scuba diving and your heart condition.

Boxing shouldn’t interfere with your ICD, although a blow to the device area could possibly dislodge one of the leads. (Just don’t fight anyone good.)

Yes. Remember to discuss exercise with your doctor, and follow their guidelines based on your own health needs. It’s always best to ease back into a fitness routine. Walk before you jog, jog before you run, etc…

Yes. Exercise is actively encouraged for most people with ICDs. Physical activity supports heart health, mental wellbeing, and recovery. An ICD is not implanted to limit you — it is there to protect you if a dangerous arrhythmia occurs.

The type and intensity of exercise that is appropriate depends on your underlying condition and your cardiologist’s guidance. Most people can resume moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, and cycling after a full recovery from the implant procedure. Some may be advised to avoid very high-intensity exercise or competitive sport, particularly if they have an exercise-triggered arrhythmia condition.

Cardiac rehabilitation is an excellent starting point for rebuilding fitness safely after cardiac arrest or ICD implantation. Ask your GP or cardiac team for a referral.

First of all, congratulations on your bravery.

Yes. Swimming is safe with an ICD once you have fully healed from the implant procedure. Most people are advised to avoid swimming for around four to six weeks after implantation to allow the wound site to heal properly and to reduce the risk of lead dislodgement while the leads are bedding in.

After recovery, there are no specific restrictions on swimming for most ICD patients. If you swim in open water, it is sensible to go with a companion, as it is with any open water swimming.

If your cardiac arrest was caused by an inherited condition such as CPVT or Long QT Syndrome, where exercise or cold water can trigger arrhythmias, discuss specific restrictions with your cardiologist.

Hut-hut-hike yourself to your heart’s content. Football probably won’t interfere with your ICD, and most people resume physical activities after recovering from surgery. The potential for tough contact is a concern to talk with your doctor about but can likely be avoided with your sweet moves!

There are no restrictions for swimming in pools with your device and they are safe as long as there is no electrical current leakage into the water.

Probably.