Exercise problems

I have posted in the past that I have had problems with passing out after exercise. The more strenuous the more likely it will happen. I was sent to a specialist in atrial fibrillation. I found the whole appointment a little confusing. It appears the upper chamber of my heart fills up with blood causing a blockage and slow down of it passing into the rest of the heart.

His suggestion is to cut back on exercise. Do not stop but do more weights ad less bike riding and swimming. The bike riding part makes me very sad. My husband and I have had some really fun rides this summer.

Also I am confused. Do I ride 8 km but not 10. Will this make the difference? I seem to have more questions now than before. I wish you could have a follow-up appt just for questions after the initial meeting. I guess I needed to digest this before all the questions came flooding in.

I wish I had this surgery 20 years ago before my health got to this point.

follow up with your cardiologist. How much strain can you put your heart under?  He can indicate how fast and hart your heart is allowed to function.  There are some really great heart tracking devises out there and I think you could benefit from it. Work in the "zone" that he feels is acceptable and safe for you.

If you can not give you proper answers - find another cardiologist!

It is not "the speed" that most often does cause the problems - it is your heart rate and heart function.

Thanks I think you are right. Just came back from a walk and was thinking about how to deal with this. You make a lot of sense. Thanks

Go back to your cardio with your questions clearly laid out.  Be detailed. Get a clear answer for each one. If you say it is for follow-up for questions they often can book you in much sooner.  Force them to take time with you. If that is not adequate then make another appointment with a new cardio for a second opinion - same routine.

I wonder if you could get some answers for this from someone at TWH: they have directed me to my specialists, but over the surgery the nurse navigators have been really good about getting me answers that no-one else would/could tackle. Worth a try perhaps, even though they are not the 'right' place to turn.

From my own experience, it was told to do as much as I like, but slowly. Also to slowly build up to the 'as much as I like' part.

...have you thought that perhaps it is not the bike riding that does you in? I know that extreme heat is hard on me and brings on faintness.

good luck and stay strong

donna

Thanks. I will give the cardiologist time to get the report from the specialist he sent me to then try to see him for more answers. I have a great cardiologist who specialises in women's heart health

That's too bad, Pat.  I guess more strength training and less cardio, huh?  Well, strength training is great too, but I don't find it as fun as walking.

Is it just biking and swimming, or is walking something you have to cut back on as well?

I think it is all exercise. I do not like to walk for long distances due to arthritis. That's why I like biking so much

Sorry to hear this is happening to you, but glad you at least got some answers. Is the issue with your heart rate? Is that what you need to keep down? Or maybe it's the length of time you have a raised heart rate? If the cardiologist could give you some more info, that would help. Maybe it's a case of not letting your HR go over a certain rate. You could get one of those handy HR monitors to keep on you, and this could help monitor so you can keep riding your bike.

You have the right to go back and to be able to ask questions. The best thing you can do is write down all your questions that you want answers for. Take paper with you to write the answers down. This way you will not walk out thinking what was the answer to that. Plus by writing it down if you don't understand you can get him to explain and do research on the net. Good Luck

Thanks that is a great idea. I really need to write stuff down now