Re: Heart Rate Monitoring

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on January 14, 1999 at 16:40:19:

In Reply to: Heart Rate Monitoring posted by Heather on January 14, 1999 at 09:14:53:






I have a heart murmur and am trying to improve my cardiovascular health (as part of an overall fitness program).
My question is twofold: first, should modifications be made to the general Target Heart Rate calculations to account for the murmur? (I have always, even when very fit, noticed that my heart rate seems to be much higher than most fitness experts recommend).
Also, I use a transmitter-style heart rate monitor (POLAR) when I exercise. I assume, based on the company's reputation, that the product is quite accurate, but was wondering if perhaps a murmur could cause false readings? (that is, would a strong "noise" be picked up as an actual beat?)
Thank you!!



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Dear Heather, thank you for your question.  The answer to your questions depends on what type of heart murmur you have and what is causing it.  There are many causes of heart murmurs and the answer to your question would differ based on the underlying etiology of the murmur.  Heart murmurs are caused by turbulent blood flow through stenotic valves or cardiac chambers, leaking valves, or abnormal communications between cardiac chambers.  However, there are some "innocent" murmurs related to normal blood flow through the heart that are not hemodynamically significant.  I can't comment on what heart rate target you should aim to achieve without knowing what type of murmur you have and whether you have an underying cardiac disorder.  However, a heart murmur should not interfere with the POLAR heart rate monitor's function.  Good luck with your exercise program and I suggest that you speak with the physician who diagnosed your murmur to determine your heart rate goals during exercise.  

I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.