Nicky Solis, 64, from Bicknacre near South Woodham Ferrers, secured the gold medal at the Commonwealth Championships in September, overcoming fears she might have to give up the sport due to a low heart rate. Specialists at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre (CTC), run by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, determined that a traditional pacemaker would not be suitable for her powerlifting lifestyle. Instead, they opted for a leadless pacemaker, a device 90 per cent smaller than conventional models, which is fitted directly inside the heart.
The leadless pacemaker, which has no wires and is implanted directly into the heart wall, allowed Ms Solis to return to competition. She expressed immense relief and pride, stating, “The doctors took the time to ask me about my life and what I enjoyed doing. They were able to offer me an option that meant I could carry on powerlifting, which was such a relief as I really thought I might have to give it up.”
“"Powerlifting is really important to me, both mentally and physically. It was amazing to win gold, especially after so many years of hard work and training. It meant so much more after thinking I’d never be able to do powerlifting again. To come back and get Commonwealth gold was a dream come true and one of the proudest moments of my life. I can’t thank everyone at Basildon and Broomfield hospitals enough for the care I have received and for giving me the option of having a leadless pacemaker."
Dr Christine Menexi, Consultant Cardiologist at the CTC, explained that a traditional pacemaker, which sits under the skin near the collarbone, would have been incompatible with the pressure from a powerlifting bar. "The advantage of the leadless pacemaker is that it is implanted directly into the heart and attached to the wall of the heart," she said. "We are very proud to be able to offer this technology to patients at the CTC, allowing them to continue to live their lives the way they want to after the procedure."
Since their introduction at the Trust in 2023, more than 100 leadless pacemakers have been fitted. Ms Solis, who retired from teaching four years ago, took up powerlifting to stay fit and has since competed in her age and weight category.
