Stress Test Needed?

[HAM5]

Hi.  I'm a male in my early thirties, non-smoker, about thirty pounds overweight.  Blood pressure has always read in the normal range and my cholesterol is down over the last couple of years to just under 200.  All my annual physicals have included normal EKG's.

I underwent extensive knee surgery last year and I am just now getting back to my pre-surgery activities.  During the recuperation is where I gained a lot of weight and I've begun a moderate exercise program to try and lose some of the pounds.  I was using an exercise bike last week when I found myself getting dizzy.  I could really feel my heart pounding and it took me a while to catch my breath, but I wasn't experiencing any pain.  The trainer took me off the bike, sat me down, and I felt better a few minutes after.  He suggested that I call my doctor.  After listening to my symptoms, the doctor diagnosed dehydration and told me to take it easy for a couple of days.  

I waited four or five days and then I started on the cycle again. Similar situation occurred, a little more mild than before.  This time I also started feeling a little anxiety.  My trainer is reluctant to allow me to continue without my doctor's okay.  The doctor said my problem is most likely due to my long stretch of inactivity and it will improve as I work back into shape, but I can have tests done if it will make me feel better.  

Does this sound like a situation a stress test can resolve?  Are there any other specific tests I should request?

Thanks.

[broggie]

Yes seems pretty normal for a deconditioned person to me, as you say dehydration makes it worse.
I began exercising a couple of weeks ago now (regularly that is) and at first I found myself a bit, not so much dizzy, but feeling a bit detached from the real world...but its ok now. My resting heartrate has improved dramatically, down from the 90's to between 55 and 70.  Exercise still seems a lot of effort, but then who really loves running around.  Maximal heartrate is around 170, but usually more 150-160...
I'm 44 and feel in general ok, apart for odd PVC's now and again.
The main thing to watch for is that you dont injure yourself as you start up, nothing worse than being right back at square one.

Take it easy and I bet that dizziness dissappears soon enough

best of luck

          Ray.

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

This is a common situation. It sounds as if you are probably just deconditioned (out of shape) as a result of your inactivity and weight gain following knee surgery. This will likely improve with further exercise and weight loss as your doctor has stated.
However, given the  concern over the symptoms you have experienced I think a stress is a good idea. There is little risk associated with a stress test and the potential to gain significant information regarding the status of your heart. Hope you feel better.


Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE