I was born with two congenital heart defects that have been repaired. My first was a COA and the second was a bicuspid aortic valve which has been replaced (1997 at age 27). I also have LVH.
After my valve reoplacement, I was placed on a beta blocker. I have hypertension that is being controlled with an ACE inhibitor, a water pill, and Losartan. I also am prescribed Tropol-XL (100mg). I think this is more based on the pacing effect, but it may also be the hypertension.
My question is this. I am trying to get back into shape and exercise. While in High School I used to run cross country and I did two marathons. I am 37 now, and am using a heart rate monitor, and I can not even get my heart rate abive 95 without feeling very fatigued, and quite tired.
I had an exercise stress test recently done and my HRmax is 122.
I recently switched cardiologists and am waiting to see my new cardiologist. My question is this. The effects of exercise have been proven on hypertension and on cardiology as a whole. If I am intolerant to exercise, is there an alternative to the beta blocker to 1) reduce my heart rate (or does it even need to be reduced), 2) allow me to exercise and obtain a more normal heart rate for my age.
Currently, my BP averages about 127/75 while medicated and my resting HR is about 69bpm. I weigh 177 lbs, and am 5'11".
Any advice, sugested readings (I love medical articals as I like to learn what doctors are reading), or questions for my new cardiologist would be appreciated.