Living Well with Your Pacemaker: Exercise Guidelines and Activity Instructions

Initial Recovery Period (First 6 Weeks)

Restricted Activities

• Avoid lifting arms above shoulder level
• No lifting objects heavier than 5 pounds (2.3 kg)
• Avoid sudden, jerking arm movements
• No golf, tennis, or swimming

Permitted Activities

• Light walking (start with 5-10 minutes)
• Gentle daily activities
• Climbing stairs slowly

Long-term Exercise Guidelines

Recommended Activities

• Walking: Excellent low-impact exercise
• Stationary cycling: Start slowly and progress gradually
• Light resistance training: After physician approval
• Swimming: After complete wound healing (typically 6-8 weeks)

Safety Precautions

1. Monitor heart rate during exercise
2. Stay within prescribed target heart rate zone
3. Stop if experiencing:
   • Unusual shortness of breath
   • Dizziness
   • Chest pain
   • Extreme fatigue

Special Considerations

Equipment Interference

• Maintain safe distance from electronic devices
• Avoid direct contact with magnetic equipment
• Use properly grounded exercise machines

Exercise Progression

1. Start with 5-10 minutes
2. Gradually increase duration by 1-2 minutes
3. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity
4. Include rest periods as needed

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

• Redness or swelling at implant site
• Persistent pain during exercise
• Irregular heart rhythm symptoms
• Unusual fatigue or breathing difficulties