Exhausted feel terrible after exertion

I am 60 yrs old, BP of 110/70, 155lbs, non-smoker, supposedly in good health according to doc and physical exam and related test results.   I have been diagnosed with mild MVP, for which my doc prescribed 25mg of Metaprolol to mask the symptoms.   Each morning I excercise, alternate periods of 50 jumping jacks with, 75 push-offs, 75 leg lifts, and 75 toe-touches, and ending with 50 more jumping jacks.  However, there are times that I do work around the house.  Last year I got 12 40lb bags of fill dirt, and spread it in low spots around the foundation.  Afterwards I started to feel awful - exhausted, weak, bloated feeling in stomach, a bit dizzy  - like my heart wasn't able to pump enough blood, and a bit headachy.   This feeling persisted for hours and didn't go away completley for 3 days.   Sometimes this happens when I play tennis.  While I am exerting myself, I can't tell when I "cross the line" into this phase.  What is wrong with me?  My doctor isn't helpful.    

[vienna13]

Nothing is wrong with you. You are doing well. As you said you are 60. So am I.  
I am very active also, and had been always. I learned not to be hard on myself, if I am getting tired just taking a break, and if I cannot do my daily exercise than  so be it...:) Will do it with more energy on the next day. I also need more nap and sleep and I do as I feel I need it.
It is our business to sort it out, not for our doctors.:))

Let yourself to be weak, if you are and take a break, relax, do not do heavy labor, let your kids do the dirt business next time.

Take care, you will be OK.

[ChatterAlly]

How long have you taken the Metoprolol? I have been taking Lopressor for several years and unfortunately I still have problems with being drowsy.  At times dizzy also.  25mg is a low dose.  I take 100mg a day.  Like you, I walk briskly for an hour every day to combat heart disease. As we age we are not able to do what we did even 5 yeras ago.  That's frustrating to me. I hate having to ask my kids to help me.  

On the other hand, if it has been awhile since your last cardiac evaluation, I would urge you to make an appointment and ask for some testing to be done. If for any other reason, peace of mind.

Take care, Ally

[erijon]

Usually, the feeling you are describing is due to either dehydration, hypoglycemia or low blood pressure. It is very important to stay hydrated when exercising or working at a consistent rate that raises your  heart rate and blood pressure. Also, stopping a workout without a proper cooling down period will cause a sudden drop in blood pressure due to the small arteries and capillaries being dilated from exercise still so too much blood is remaining in your large muscle groups dropping your blood pressure.

You may also want to ask your doctor about your blood sugar levels. You may just be experiencing a temporary drop in your blood sugars which will leave you feeling lightheaded and shaky, I have experienced this as well. It will usually get better with eating, but you need to be careful what you eat when hypoglycemic. Usually something like a piece of fruit or some protein will do the trick. Too much sugar stimulates an over reaction and your system may create too much insulin causing the cycle to repeat itself.

Hope this helps,

Jon