Ice Skating With A Pacemaker: Safety First
It’s that time of year when there is a certain romance to slipping on skates under a veil os snowflakes and sliding onto the ice. The local Christmas Market in my own town is currently peppered with wooden stalls all surrounding a little ice rink that popped up in the central square. I see all types of people, both gracefully and less-than-gracefully, glide across the cold surface. Most of them laugh and have a grand old time relishing the winter spirit.
But, as I stand at the edge, I have to ask, is it wise for someone with a pacemaker like me to participate?
So, let’s drive in and see whether ice skating is a good idea for someone with a pacemaker and if anything can be done to make it safer.
Cardiovascular-specific health concerns aside, what are the benefits of health? The article, Learn What Are the Health Benefits of Ice Skating by Paspa Physical Therapy lists seven general health benefits that come from the sport. The first is that it burns calories and “according to the Harvard Medical School, you can burn between 200 and 600 calories if you skate for a full hour” (“Learn What Are the Health Benefits of Ice Skating | Paspa PT,” n.d.). By extension, this also contributes to monitoring weight management as well.
Furthermroe, ice skating also really helps to strengthen the legs and arms. The article notes how, “while your arms and core get a workout as you balance your body during the movement. Skating also helps build strength, especially in the major muscle groups of the lower body – the gluteals, quads, hamstrings, and calves” (“Learn What Are the Health Benefits of Ice Skating | Paspa PT,” n.d.). Ice skating also serves to benefit the joints. It discusses how “an aerobic skating workout has the same benefit as the same amount of time spent jogging, only without joint damage “Learn What Are the Health Benefits of Ice Skating | Paspa PT,” n.d.). Generally speaking, this type of physical activity also boosts endurance and mental health, and, by extension, supports cardiovascular health by raising the heart rate and supporting other aspects of one’s well-being, thereby reducing stress and improving cardiovascular function. So, basically, ice skating is considered a healthy sport for a variety of reasons.
Now, what about if you have a pacemaker? What are the concerns?
Luckily, strangely, there weren’t very many in-depth articles specifically about ice skating with a pacemaker. Most of them focused on contact sports, such as hockey, football, rugby, and so on. But from what I found, ice skating with a pacemaker is generally okay, with just a few things to consider.
Before one takes to the ice, it is necessary to consult with your doctor. Because the pacemaker is part of a team with one’s physical heart, it is good to ensure both are in good enough condition to handle the stress of such an activity.
It turns out that this sport is somewhat straightforward, as the only real danger is slipping and falling, which could harm the physical device by accidentally jostling it or knocking a wire loose.
So, when you do go onto the ice, be sure to be extra careful not to fall. Hold hands with someone, or hold on to the edge until you get your footing. As an extra precaution, be sure to wear a protective, padded vest under your coat just in case you fall on the ice. Also, always listen to your body and be aware of whether you are pushing yourself too far.
In my experience, the cold is another factor. Personally, when I shiver, the wires of my device begin to ache. This can last for a few days if I get cold enough. So, be mindful of that too.
So, from my personal experience, since I haven’t been brave enough to ice skate for many years, I’d recommend bundling up, talking to your doctor, and having a wonderful time on the ice… with your doctor’s blessing, of course.
Enjoy the holiday season and don’t let your pacemaker stop you!
Keep ticking, my friends!
What topics about CVD or pacemakers would you like to learn more about?
Let me know.
Reference List:
“Learn What Are the Health Benefits of Ice Skating | Paspa PT.” n.d. Https://Paspapt.com/. https://paspapt.com/health-benefits-of-ice-skating/.
#cvd #pacemaker #iceskating #wintersports #sports #heartdisease #medicaldevice #dangers #cardiology #chronicillness #experience #winter