Exercise induced nausea

Background:  I have a VSD repaired 34 years ago - although the patch didn't quite hold and I've had continued leakage since the original surgery.  Docs now say I've outgrown the patch, I've increased leakage, an enlarged right heart (hypertrophied they say), mild pulmonary hypertension and mild pulmonary stenosis.

Exercise regimen:  I teach step aerobics/toning classes 3 days per week.  This includes 20 - 25 minutes intense cardio workout with 25-30 minutes strength training (including squats, lunges, weight lifting, bands, floor work etc.).  Generally I can make it through a class but sometimes I need to stop during and catch my breath.  Some days are better than others.

Recent Problem:  Recently I've developed this nasty little habit of getting intensely sick during my step aerobics class.  Most recent case occurred Friday 9/24.  I began to feel nauseated and dizzy during class so shortened class and ended 15 minutes early.  In the locker room I had to lie down on the bench.  While laying down I had to keep my eyes open else my head would spin as if I were drunk.  The nausea subsided slightly - enough for me to get dressed and hobble down the hall, although I was short of breath and very dizzy.  I ran into a co-worker who helped me to the first aid room where I was able to lay down again.  I rested for 3 and 1/2 hours.  During this time, my pulse seemed regular and my breathing was ok, however I was extremely nauseated, had a piercing pressure headache and was extremely dizzy.  At one point, I felt as if I had been drugged as my eyelids drooped and I had a difficult time even lifting my arm.  My limbs were very heavy and I felt lethargic.  My speech was also slurred.  My body temperature dropped drastically so that my extremities felt like ice bergs.  After 3 1/2 hours the nausea subsided enough for me to drive myself home, however I was sleepy driving home.

Once I got home I rested.  When I needed to climb the stairs to the bedroom my heart rate was very high and I was very short of breath.  This continued for the weekend, along with irregular heart rythms - at times my heart would race, or slow so that it would feel as it it were jumping out of my chest.  

The headache continued from Friday through last night.  The feeling of pressure to my head stayed with me and finally today I feel good for the first time since this event.

This is not the first time this has happened, however this is becoming more frequent.  To the point where I have finally stopped teaching aerobics.

If you have any ideas what might be causing this, I would be happy to hear them.  I have been in touch with my doctor (GP) she has run blood tests, chest Xray and pulmonary function test - all turned out fine (my cholesterol is even 146 [yahoo!]).  So far I have no clue what the problem is.  But I do know that this should not happen - at least to this degree.  I think my body is SERIOUSLY protesting the exercise.

Thanks for your time.

Lana

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Lana,

I would discuss this with your internist further and make sure that you are not desaturating during exercise .  This may be done easily with an oxygen saturation meter.  it would be important to make sure that your heart function had not changed or worsened in view of your history of VSD.I would suggest an echo as well to follow your leak through the VSD.

[tek40]

A related discussion, desaturating during exercise was started.

[stpetersaint]

A related discussion, nausa during exercise was started.