Abstract
Objective
To prove that long-distance running is safe for athletes with pacemaker devices, pacemaker function was evaluated in nine long-distance runners.
Method
Nine runners participated in a nine-month training programme that involved running for 1000 or 2000 km in preparation for either a full or a half marathon. A professional coach, three cardiologists and a technician — all with running experience — conducted the training and medical checkups. Commercial heart rate monitors were used during training to assess heart rates at rest, and during exercise and long-distance running. Sensing and pacing functions of the pacemaker system were tested during training sessions as well as during the race. In addition, the ChampionChip (a time registration device used in competition) and the Polar heart rate monitor (a widely used self-monitoring device) were tested for possible interference with the pacemaker.
Results
All nine athletes completed the Amsterdam 2001 half or full marathon without any pacemaker dysfunction. A short survey after two years showed no pacemaker dysfunction.
Conclusion
Long-distance running is safe for athletes with pacemaker implants. Overall fitness and sufficient endurance training remain the prerequisites for maintaining the condition necessary for successful completion of a marathon regardless of medical status. In our study, it became clear that for patients who had received a pacemaker because of complete heart block, the upper rate of the pacemaker programme needed to be adjusted to 170 to 180 ppm to insure 1:1 atrio-ventricular synchrony during high atrial rates. It is concluded that there is no a priori reason for cardiologists to advise against long-distance running in athletes with pacemakers. Patients with known or suspected structural heart disease should be screened according the recommendations.
Keywords: endurance sports, marathon, pacemaker, running, safety
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Joglar J. A., Hamdan M. H., Welch P. J., Page R. L. Interaction of a commercial heart rate monitor with implanted pacemakers. Am J Cardiol. 1999 Mar 1;83(5):790-2, A10. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9149(98)00994-1. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Maron B. J., Poliac L. C., Roberts W. O. Risk for sudden cardiac death associated with marathon running. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1996 Aug;28(2):428–431. doi: 10.1016/0735-1097(96)00137-4. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Zipes D. P., Garson A., Jr 26th Bethesda conference: recommendations for determining eligibility for competition in athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities. Task Force 6: arrhythmias. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1994 Oct;26(10 Suppl):S276–S283. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]