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, particularly if you were not automatically offered one. In the UK, cardiac rehab is most consistently commissioned for people who have had a heart attack, and survivors with no identified cause (idiopathic) or an arrhythmia-related cause are sometimes not offered it. Be persistent.
For full guidance on returning to physical activity, see our Exercise After Cardiac Arrest page.