Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are designed to treat potentially life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, which are often recorded as dangerously high heart rates (tachycardia). The ICD is programmed to discharge at a specific rate, reducing potentially dangerous arrhythmias.

People with ICDs who are eligible for exercise training should be knowledgeable and comfortable with the benefits and limitations of their devices and have no abnormal heart rhythms or rates. Ask your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

Whenever possible, people with ICDs should be monitored by electrocardiography (ECG, EKG) telemetry during exercise. Also, it is important to know and understand that ICDs are set to discharge at a specific heart rate. Therefore, your target heart rate during exercise should be at least 10 to 15 beats below the ICD discharge heart rate.

Using RPE as an alternative measure

Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a valuable and reliable indicator in monitoring your exercise tolerance. It is usually used as part of an organized cardiac rehab program and may be valuable for those who have trouble monitoring their heart rate. It is probably most useful to first learn about RPE with a health professional (such as an exercise physiologist or trainer), and then you may be able to use it when you exercise on your own. For more information, see monitoring your rating of perceived exertion (RPE).