Tennis With A Pacemaker: Playing The Long Game
Playing sports can be challenging with CVD, especially those that require a great deal of physical exertion. Personally, although I haven’t played for decades, I’ve sat on the edge of the tennis court and wondered if my pacemaker may interfere with my performance and, with my heart condition, if it would even be wise to join in. Tennis requires an impressive level of endurance, not only in running but also in the repetitive striking of the ball and in hand-eye coordination. However, is it necessarily wise for someone with CVD to participate in this sport, or is it too much of a health risk?
Let’s find out.
Like other sports, the concept of exercise and keeping one’s heart pumping and blood flowing is generally healthy. This is confirmed by the article, “Health Benefits of Tennis” by Pluim et al. Generally, participating in tennis is considered healthy, as, “a positive association has been shown between regular tennis participation and positive health benefits, including improved aerobic fitness, a leaner body, a more favourable lipid profile, improved bone health, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality” (Pluim et al. 2007). Especially in how, “playing tennis regularly will contribute to improved fitness levels. In addition, long-term tennis play leads to increased bone mineral density and bone mineral content of the playing arm, lumbar spine, and legs” (Pluim et al. 2007). However, while it provides a variety of benefits, the article recognizes that it is not a perfect sport for everyone. “Further longitudinal studies with appropriate adjustment for confounding variables and self selection are warranted, to determine whether the positive association between a leaner body, a more favourable lipid profile, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and tennis is an indication of the health benefits of tennis, or the effect of self selection and a healthier lifestyle of tennis players” (Pluim et al. 2007). In this way, it highlights that certain ailments, such as cardiovascular disease, should be addressed and self-assessed before taking up a racket and stepping onto the court.
As such, playing tennis, an intense physical activity, is difficult for the body if it is already compromised by chronic illnesses like CVD (cardiovascular disease). Maintaining the consistent speed and movement necessary to participate in the sport is difficult, even for uncompromised people. So, it would be wise for someone who has CVD to discuss playing tennis with the doctor beforehand. They may let you play without any qualms or may give you suggestions on how to do it safely. It’s a good idea to ask about the parameters you should stick to while playing, any additional advice, or tips to make the game less physically taxing on your body.
Playing tennis with CVD is far from impossible, but one should proceed with caution.
As such, if you’re playing and feel lightheaded, dizzy, breathless, too fatigued, or like your heart is beating too fast, I’d recommend taking a break and/or discussing the matter with your doctor. It is important to get exercise, but within the spectrum your heart allows without pushing yourself too far.
Now, what about if you have a pacemaker?
If one has a pacemaker, there are a few factors to consider before you participate. An article, Exercise For Pacemaker Patients by Obma, Keritzinsky, and Anderson states that, “Most patients are comfortable with a peak work load of 60% to 80% of their maximum capacity, and the physician can recommend an appropriate activity ranging from strolling at 1 mph (1/2 to 2 mets) to singles tennis (5 to 6 mets) based on the exercise test results. For most patients, a self-administered or supervised exercise program can be set up that will increase their capacity for sports or activities of daily living” (Obma, Keritzinsky and Anderson, 1984). This specific mention of ‘singles’ tennis implies two things. The first is that playing tennis with a pacemaker is possible, and that if one plays it, playing singles, or one vs. one, is recommended, as it is the most concentrated and the least difficult. Plus, there is less likelihood for accidental collisions.
So yes, playing tennis with a pacemaker is possible, but only if your cardiovascular system and overall health can handle the sport's demands. So, check with your doctor beforehand.
There are two additional factors to consider based on my experience. The first is arm strain. Given that the pacemaker is based either under the skin in the chest or in the armpit, overstraining these muscles by harsh, repetitive motion may cause damage if pushed too hard. This may cause discomfort and could affect the wires, so be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
Also, there is a risk of being struck in the chest by the ball. Granted, the chance is relatively slim, but being struck in the chest by an airborne object going at high speeds would not only be painful but could also damage or even dislodge the device. My advice is to wear at least a thin padded vest under your shirt for extra protection. It doesn’t need to be bulky, but it should keep your device that monitors your heartbeat safe at all times.
Has anyone played tennis with a pacemaker or CVD? What’s your favorite sport?
Comment below.
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
Tune in next Wednesday and Friday for more!
Keep ticking, everybody!
Reference List
Obma, R.T., Keritzinsky, G. and Anderson, R. (1984). Exercise for Pacemaker Patients. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 12(4), pp.127–130. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00913847.1984.11701829.
Pluim, B.M., Staal, J.B., Marks, B.L., Miller, S. and Miley, D. (2007). Health Benefits Of Tennis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, [online] 41(11), pp.760–768. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2006.034967.
#cvd #tennis #sports #cardiology #chronicillness #experience #heartdisease #chd #pacemaker