Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator

[PapaEight]

Greetings! I'm 65 years old and have been rowing on a C2 indoor rower on and off for 20 years. I'm in very good condition overall. A year and a half ago I had a cardioverter defibrillator implanted because I was diagnosed with a left bundle branch block (electrical issue in the heart) and low ejection fraction. I have no blockage issues at all in my arteries. As a result of the implant, I now have three leads (wires) going through my pectoral muscle into my heart. I felt fine before the implant and I feel fine now. My electrophysiologist-cardiologist has told me I can exercise all I want but I should not use a rowing machine because of the repetitive motion involving my chest muscles. He's afraid it would cause the leads to become brittle over time and run the risk of breaking. But he says I can use an elliptical exercise machine, and it seems to me the effect on the chest muscles would be similar. I'm have a hard time staying off the rower! I've used it a little bit and it feels great. I miss it.

Now, I wouldn't expect anyone on this forum to give me medical advice or to encourage me to go against my doctor's advice. I'm not asking for that. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience similar to mine. Is there anyone out there who rows with an implanted cardioverter, defibrillator, or pacemaker? Were you given any restrictions regarding a rowing machine? Is there anyone with any expertise on this topic that you'd care to share?

Thanks very much.

[Ombrax]

This isn't what you're looking for, but have you considered picking up cycling?

It isn't as complete an exercise as rowing, but if you put in the time and effort it will help you stay in very good shape and is actually way more enjoyable (for me) than the erg.

Good Luck

[Nick]

I heartily agree with Ombrax - think about cycling. It's a great workout. Has you discussed weight training with your electrophysiologist? Does he have the same concerns with upper body workouts? By the way, I'm 79 and have been dealing with AFIB for the last 9 years. Keep on truckin' and good luck!

[PapaEight]

Thanks, Ombrax and Nick for the recommendation about cycling. Regarding upper body workouts, yes, unfortunately he has the same concerns about that. I've done pushups just about every day of my adult life and he made me quit that. Sad. I'm doing the best I can to abide by his rules.