Patients Talk

Athletes with Pacemakers

Many patients with medical devices lead active lifestyles. Some are even competitive athletes. Triathlete Kathy Marks, of Seattle, Washington, and golfer Matt Schwalm, of Rochester, New York, are two remarkable athletes who happen to have pacemakers. They recently spoke with LifeBeat Online about their athletic activities.

What circumstances led to your pacemaker implant?

KATHY: It took a while to figure out my problem, which was intermittent at first. Also, my heart problem, called autonomic nervous system dysfunction, isn't all that common.

I became short of breath while I was exercising. My heart rate would sometimes become really fast. Other times it wouldn't increase at all. I had run marathons in the past, but at this point I could run only half a mile and then I was beat. I needed to sit down and rest. Eventually, even normal activities were difficult.

I found a cardiologist who figured out what my problem was, and 7 years ago I was implanted with my first pacemaker. Two years ago I had my first pacemaker replaced with a Guidant PULSAR® MAX pacemaker.

MATT: When I was a freshman in high school I fainted during basketball practice. I went to the hospital, and the doctors there thought there was a problem with my diet. Then the next week I fainted twice, and my coach told me I couldn't play again until I got checked out. That's when I went to a heart specialist and found out I needed a pacemaker. I was implanted with a Guidant PULSAR MAX pacemaker in December 2000.

Were you worried that having a pacemaker would limit your athletic activities?

KATHY: I'm a nurse practitioner, so I knew a lot about pacemakers. I didn't have any fear of exercising after getting my pacemaker. In fact, one of the reasons I got one is so I could exercise more. There was some swelling initially at the site of implant after the procedure, of course, but I felt so much better otherwise. Having a pacemaker hasn't limited me, but the device has needed adjusting now and then.

MATT: At first I thought having a pacemaker would be a big deal. My dad was with me when the doctor told me that I needed one. Dad remembered those huge boxes they used to put in people. But the new technology and smaller size are such improvements over those old pacemakers.

Once I got my pacemaker it didn't take too long to get used to it. Soon afterwards I remember going to the gym with my brother Pete to shoot baskets. I forgot all about my pacemaker and shot baskets like I always had. I used to get lightheaded a lot. I just feel so much better now.

Which sports do you participate in?

KATHY: I mostly train for triathlons, which doesn't leave much time for other sports. Triathlon distances vary, but the one I'm training for now involves a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. So I need to train every day, alternating between swimming, biking, running, and lifting weights. You spend a lot of time alone when you're training for a triathlon. I also play soccer and racquetball for fun.

MATT: I played varsity volleyball and golf for the last 3 years of high school and varsity basketball for the last 2 years. For me, golf is the most intense sport of those three. In the summer I work at the local golf course, and I practice before and after work. If I have a tournament the next day, I hit balls until it's dark. I compete in tournaments whenever I can. When we're at my family's cabin on summer weekends, I like to swim and do other water sports for fun.

What do you love about your sport?

KATHY: I don't think most people who compete in triathlons actually love it — at least not while they're doing it! I think it's more about the sense of achievement you have when you finish.

I watched the Ironman on TV many years ago and decided that was something I really wanted to do some day. I wasn't able to do it back then, but it was something that, in my heart, I always knew I wanted to do. Because of my heart history I think competing in triathlons is more bittersweet for me than it is for most people.

MATT: I love golf because it's independent. In volleyball or basketball you might lose a point due to something you can't control. But when you're playing golf, it's all you. Then when you do something well, you can be applauded for it.

Which athletic achievements are you most proud of?

KATHY: I was very happy that I finished the Ironman triathlon qualifier in Kona, Hawaii, last year.

MATT: My handicap index in golf is 1, which is pretty close to scratch. I must have about 20 trophies from various tournaments I've participated in since I started playing golf seriously in the 8th grade.

What are your goals for the near future?

KATHY: I'm participating in the half-Ironman triathlon in Kona this year. I know the weather will be hot, and there can be quite a lot of current while swimming in the ocean, so my main goal is to finish with my head up. Beyond that, I'll probably participate in some triathlons here in the Pacific Northwest during the summer.

MATT: I have a college golf scholarship for my freshman year of college next year. If my game develops as much as I'd like it to, I might look into going pro. I know it's a long shot, though. Even coaching high school golf or becoming a golf teacher or PGA professional would be cool. Just being around the game is what's most important to me.

Note: Individual symptoms, situations, and circumstances may vary. Please consult your physician or qualified health provider regarding your condition and appropriate medical treatment or before beginning an exercise program. The information provided is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice.

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