Exercise with a pacemaker?

Feb. 2026
6 years with Pacemaker and AFIB...average AFIB event by AFIB app, one a year. My USA Cardio and Electro physiologist told me no blood thinner bc of age and I fall a lot due to vertigo from damage, Shingles in ear.
I have moved to Thailand, new Electrophysiologist found good heart and Pacemaker and one 30 second event in 2025.
Has prescribed blood thinner. I tried but became so dizzy and foggy brained, hanging onto walls. DSaid I could have, stroke. Stopped the blood thinner medication. Will not take bc had fall off curb onto street, 11 stitches, no problem with bleed, Having dental work, removed 2 teeth, later prepared for implant, bleed normal.
BUT, Im still scared of clots. Any opinions ??

@margebon Welcome to the Connect Pacemaker blog! Please understand that we can share experiences but cannot give medical opinions, only your care team can do that. Of course you are scared of clots, I am, too. I had them a couple of weeks after my septal myectomy. My cardiologist had me take Eliquis for 4-5 months. That was over 3.5 years ago and no problems, since. We can suggest questions to ask your cardiologist and electrophysiologist: Can the dosage be reduced? What is your risk for clots? Have you read the Mayo Clinic article on Deep Vein Thrombosis? I would copy the link for you but I am away from home and my regular computer and do not have a mouse to use. Again, Welcome!

@jc76 You will get there! I was jogging and then after a sore knee, have been walking since I was in my 30's. I added the gym when I retired in 2012. With the various complications I experienced (not from the ICD), I had to start and progress slowly three times. It was not fun and during the 3rd time I wondered if I had the mental stamina to do it again. The ability to bike ride with my grandson made it all worth it. People often start by walking around the block just once doing it 3 times a day, riding a recumbent bike slowly, etc. @jackiet at 90 YOU are an inspiration!

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557

I am a 60 year old male. First pacemaker Oct. 2021. Lead was fractured in 2024 and had to get a brand new pacemaker. The Boston Scientific rep came into my ER room and asked if I was doing 'repetitive exercises' like swimming. I was not swimming but I was hitting the speedbag (smaller bag, not the heavy bag).

Long story short, I've went back to 100 plus pushups a day and the speedbag and am getting my defintion back but am worried about chest that is expanding and repetitive motions that I am going to fracture another lead and end up back in the hospital for another procedure.

Please let me know of anyone with experience similar to this.

Thanks.

@lcr35 It's great to read the stories of people who practice activities they like to do even after a medical situation takes place! We cannot give advice about your question other than to ask the professionals involved in the installation and care of your pacemaker. We are all different, what is safe for one person may be off limits for another. I encourage you to ask!

@walkinggirl Thanks for your reply. Supposedly, this second pacer is better equipped for those activities. HOWEVER.........one of the cardiac nurses called and said best I refrain. But I'm in a jam because I don't want to lose the definition I've redeveloped but I don't want to end up in the hospital. In the past, the electrophysiologists said pushups are fine, but the nurse said if my chest is expanding, that could be a concern. I know the safest thing to do is to never hit the speedbag or do pushups, but I enjoy doing those activities and it's good for my mental health, too.

@walkinggirl Thanks for your reply. Supposedly, this second pacer is better equipped for those activities. HOWEVER.........one of the cardiac nurses called and said best I refrain. But I'm in a jam because I don't want to lose the definition I've redeveloped but I don't want to end up in the hospital. In the past, the electrophysiologists said pushups are fine, but the nurse said if my chest is expanding, that could be a concern. I know the safest thing to do is to never hit the speedbag or do pushups, but I enjoy doing those activities and it's good for my mental health, too.