FAQ

Cardiac rehabilitation (cardiac rehab) is a structured programme combining exercise, education, and psychological support to help people recover after a cardiac event such as a heart attack, cardiac arrest, or heart surgery. It is delivered by a multidisciplinary team and is typically offered as a course of weekly sessions over 6–8 weeks.

If you have survived a cardiac arrest, cardiac rehabilitation is recommended and you should be offered a referral by your cardiac team or GP. Evidence shows that it reduces mortality, improves cardiovascular fitness, reduces anxiety and depression, and helps people return to work and normal activities with greater confidence.

Cardiac rehab programmes typically include supervised, gradually increasing physical exercise tailored to your individual fitness and heart condition; education sessions covering topics such as medications, diet, managing risk factors, and understanding your condition; and psychological support addressing anxiety, mood, and adjustment to life after a cardiac event.

If you have not been referred to cardiac rehabilitation, ask your GP or cardiologist. Some programmes are also available online or as hybrid models. The British Heart Foundation’s Cardiac Rehab service finder can help you locate programmes near you.

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.

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. Curling will not interfere with your ICD. As with any physical activity after implantation, check with your cardiologist about returning to sport, but most people can resume their usual hobbies once they have fully healed from the procedure.

Yes. A petrol-powered lawn mower requires you to keep at least 30cm (12 inches) between the running ignition system and your ICD. For electric lawn mowers, maintain at least 15cm (6 inches) between the motor and your device. These are the same precautions as for other petrol and electric powered tools.

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.

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.