Running Toward Possibility: Nicole Ramirez-Drake’s Pacemaker Journey

For Nicole Ramirez-Drake, running has always been more than exercise. The Dallas-based financial planner, wife, and mother of two has completed three ultramarathons and 32 marathons, building a close-knit community through miles shared with friends over the years.

“My running community is my closest group of friends,” she said. “When you’re running, and you’re running side-by-side, you let down your guard and can just talk.”

But shortly after turning 45, Nicole experienced a health scare that had her re-examining the role running might be able to play in her life.

One evening while reading to her young son, Nicole began feeling strange, looked down at her smartwatch, and noticed her heart rate had dropped to nearly 30 beats per minute (the average for a healthy heart is around 60 beats per minute). The next day, she collapsed while preparing for a run on her treadmill. Although doctors initially struggled to identify the cause, Nicole knew something wasn't right.

The answer finally came during a stress test, when a technician noticed an irregular heartbeat and alerted her cardiologist. An electrophysiologist reviewed her results and explained that a pacemaker could correct the problem. For some people, hearing the word “pacemaker” might feel overwhelming, but for Nicole, it brought relief.

“When he said that, I was excited! I had a diagnosis, and I already had a potential solution that could help me feel better,” Nicole said.

Since receiving her Medtronic Azure™ pacemaker, Nicole has returned to doing what she loves most. While there was an adjustment period as her device settings were optimized for running, today she says the pacemaker allows her to live life with confidence and peace of mind. She has already completed two marathons since, and continues to stay active.

Perhaps most importantly, her experience reinforced the value of community. Friends, coaches, and fellow runners helped her regain confidence as she returned to training, reminding her that she wasn’t alone. Her coach even introduced her to another runner with a defibrillator who had completed the Medtronic Marathon years earlier. Hearing that story gave Nicole a new goal: to run the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon herself.

For Nicole, her biggest lesson, and greatest advice to others, is to listen to your body and advocate for yourself. She also hopes others understand that receiving a pacemaker does not mean giving up the activities they love – with the right care, support, and determination, life after receiving a pacemaker can be as active and rewarding as before.

This story recounts one patient's experience and may not be representative of all patient outcomes. Pacemakers are not for everyone, and results may vary. Please talk to your doctor to see if this is right for you. For important safety information about Medtronic Azure™ transvenous pacemakers, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/healthcare-professionals/products/cardiac-rhythm/pacing-systems/pacemakers/azure-mri-surescan-pacemaker.html