Rollerblading And Pacemakers: A Difficult Balance
Rollerblading has come in and out of fashion over the decades, but how safe is it for people with CVD (cardiovascular disease) and pacemakers to join in on the fun?
Let’s skate into this topic and find out.
In terms of general CVD, rollerblading is known to be a good activity to safely raise one's heart rate in a controlled way while enjoying the experience. The article, “Roller Skating Promotes the Physical Health of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis” by Zhao, Wang, and Hou discusses the health benefits of rollerblading, particularly in the younger generations. It should be noted that while this study focuses on roller skating broadly, the cardiovascular benefits apply similarly to rollerblading. This is shown in how, “roller skating effectively promotes balance, lower limb strength, speed quality, body endurance and social adaptability in children and adolescents; the improvement in male endurance was lower than that in females in the adolescent stage” (Zhao, Wang and Hou, 2020). This is particularly relevant for younger people with congenital heart disease (CHD). While younger people with CHD may benefit most, older individuals need to take additional factors into account before they tie on the skates.
Such factors often include, but are not limited to, bone strength, balance, potential bruising from blood thinners, and other health concerns that are less prevalent among younger generations. With these in mind, this particular activity may be somewhat more challenging. However, this does not automatically disqualify them. Rather, it only means that people in an older demographic, whether or not they have heart concerns, should discuss the matter with their doctor. A stress test and perhaps a breathing test may be recommended as common ways to assess one's physical fitness before they strap on the roller skates.
However, in rollerblading, there is always the danger of injury, particularly to one’s head if one were to fall without the proper protection. That is why, no matter the age of the person or the fitness level of the individual, it is always wise to wear a helmet when taking part in rollerblading.
Surprisingly, unlike the other topics I’ve researched, like football, cycling, fencing, and horseback riding, etc… the sources were rather thin on this specific sport and its connection to pacemakers. Thus, for this article, I am largely using trends from other sports and previous research from studies to make recommendations on what to and not to be concerned about in relation to this topic. However, one should always remember to make the final decision on whether or not to participate after discussing the matter with their doctor.
Now, in terms of rollerblading with a pacemaker, there are a few extra areas to be concerned about. While it is generally considered safe, there are a couple of conditions.
First off, the article 'Living with a Pacemaker - Dos & Don'ts for Daily Life' by Dr. Lyne (note: a cardiologist's personal website, not a peer-reviewed journal) discusses how rollerblading is safe if you have fully recovered from surgery, which is generally about 4-6 weeks after the implantation (Heart Rhythm Cardiologist - Dr Jonathan Lyne, 2025). After that, and after your final check-up with your electrophysiologist/cardiologist on the matter, ensuring that you are fully returned to health, you should start tying your skates. This means that your pacemaker and wires have fully settled into your muscles and are less likely to be dislodged by sudden movements or excessive lifting.
However, “generally safe” is not “entirely safe.” One should be concerned about accidentally tripping and falling onto one’s chest hard enough to jostle or damage the wires or device itself embedded under the muscle. Thus, just as it is wise to wear a helmet to protect one’s head, I also highly recommend wearing an extra-padded vest as a layer of protection for one’s chest.
Granted, I haven’t personally been rollerblading since I was a child, but families in my neighborhood enjoy it, and I largely see the appeal. But with my short arm and such, I haven’t been able to gain the balance or perhaps the courage to try again. Regardless, while I have little experience with it, if you have CVD and a pacemaker, have a fantastic time this summer, enjoying the sunshine as you speed down the streets!
Did you find this advice helpful? Do you like rollerblading?
Comment below.
Tune in next Monday and Friday for more! I will be writing more now that I’m finally feeling better, so I’m getting a new, more frequent schedule.
Keep ticking, everybody!
P.S. Are there any aspects of CVD health or pacemakers you’d like to know more about?
Feel free to email me at:
blairmueller28@gmail.com
Reference List
Heart Rhythm Cardiologist - Dr Jonathan Lyne. (2025). Living with a Pacemaker - Dos & Don’ts for Daily Life. [online] Available at: https://heartrhythmcardiologist.com/living-with-a-pacemaker-guide/.
Zhao, W., Wang, C. and Hou, L. (2020). Roller Skating Promotes the Physical Health of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta analysis. [online] www.researchsquare.com. Available at: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-85702/v1.
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