Skydiving is one of the few activities where the answer is more cautious than a straightforward yes. Most cardiologists advise against it for people with an ICD, and it’s worth understanding why before making any decision.
The main concerns are:
Physical impact on landing. Even with good technique, landing places sudden mechanical stress on the body. If your leads haven’t fully settled, or if there’s any risk of the ICD shifting, this is a genuine consideration.
Altitude. Modern ICDs are tested to function at altitude, but freefall from standard jump heights (3,000-4,000m) involves rapid pressure change. Whilst this is unlikely to affect device function, it has not been formally studied in clinical settings.
Emergency access. If your ICD delivers a shock during freefall, you’ll be at altitude and potentially incapacitated. Immediate medical response would not be possible.
That said, “not advisable” isn’t the same as “absolutely prohibited.” Your specific situation (device type, underlying condition, and how well your arrhythmia is controlled) matters significantly. Any decision should be made directly with your cardiologist, and it’s also worth contacting your device manufacturer about altitude tolerance for your specific model.
For broader guidance on returning to physical activity after a cardiac arrest, visit our Exercise After Cardiac Arrest page.
Always discuss extreme sports with your cardiologist before going ahead.