Fatigue following exercise

[DavesMom]

I'm 50 and had aortic valve replacement/anuerysm repair seven years ago. I have yearly echos and lipid panels, which are always normal. I'm average weight and BP is not a problem. I take coumadin because of my mechanical valve and Tegretol due to complex partial seizures. (I've been on both drugs for years.)

I walk an hour or more per day for exercise and I've begun to notice that instead of leaving me invigorated, this walk now sometimes leaves me fatigued. I'm fine during the walk but as soon as I cool down and sit down I feel exhausted. It's like I crash. I don't "power walk" but I don't plod along, either.

So I'm wondering if this could somehow be cardiac related. I've been doing this walking routine for years without a problem so it just seems odd that I'm now tiring. It doesn't happen all the time but enough to know that it isn't a fluke. Last echo in February was fine except for mile MV regur and mild MV annualar calcification. I drink a ton of water so I don't think it's dehydration. Could it be blood sugar related?

Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Duchess47]

I pasted this post from the exercise forum and wondered if it is true or not.  If it is, then every time I have chest pain when I exercise, I will relly be worried.  "Both an event monitor and a PET scan are good ideas to try. Ask you doctor for an EKG to check the electrical status of your heart. The pain you are experiencing at high heart rates is caused by a lack of oxygen. The heart is racing to the point that it's need for oxygen is greater than the supply and you get pain. When you slow down the oxygen levels rise and the pain goes away. If this continues you can suffer from a "mini heart attack" which is without symptoms, but can leave heart damage. Try reducing your workout and try breathing more. When you reach the point that you are breathing hard or panting, slow down and do some belly breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, gradually lengthening the breaths until your heart slows down and your breathing is easier. Avoid breathing while bending downward. Stand or sit up straight and belly breathe. Bending over when panting actually pushes air out of the lungs and prevents deep breathing, giving the body less oxygen. You may become dizzy, visual "spots", experience nausea, muscle weakness, headaches, difficulty "catching" your breath and get a burning sensation in the chest. good luck"

[dquenzer]

It could be that you are not getting your heart rate high enough to release endorphins.  If my wife walks she feels fatigue all day.  If she runs she feels good all day.  It is related to endorphins.

In this case it could be the same.  It may be you are too well conditioned at this point and you need to increase the intensity.  Obviously under doctor care.

I would get a stress test to see if you can handle an increase in intensity and try it.

Try this.  Light jogging for 30 seconds, then walking for 2 minutes.  Get your rate up just a bit.  Then cut down on the length of time by 15 minutes.  If you are 50 you should have a target rate of about 120 to 130.  Then that lets off endorphins.

[DavesMom]

Hi Woodruff,

I haven't seen my cardio for five or six years.  I guess they figure as long as I'm not having problems there's no need for an appointment. My primary care doctor listens to my heart every year and last December he said the valve was clicking away loudly. However, I may talk to him this about this.

The scary thing about cardiac problems is that there are often so few symptoms...or a symptom like fatigue that can be caused by a hundred things.  

Thanks and take care.  

[woodruff]

Have you mentioned this to your cardiologist?  Since you have had a valve replacement, but know your routine, and know that what you are experiencing is different from usual, a little chat with the doc couldn't hurt.

[Mel22]

Check your potassium. Plain water does not replace potassium.

[DavesMom]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. A part of me wonders about the blood sugar level, but my fasting glucose level is checked every year and it's always fine. However, that doesn't mean it can't fluctuate during the day.

Thanks again!

[Cleveland Clinic]

davesmom,

Unfortunately, fatigue is one of the most common complaints that people seeing a physician have, and it is relatively nonspecific.

It could be related to any number of factors. I would of course look into the valve to make sure it was ok, but would also have an open mind to an number of other factors such as thyroid illness, pulmonary issues and deconditioning.

You should see your physician for a check up.

good luck