Toprol XL and exercise

I have a question about Toprol XL and exercise.

I had a mild MI at 46 and the angiogram at the time showed a 100% blockage of the RCA with collateral arteries completely refilling it beyond the blockage, and a 80-90% blockage in the Circumflex which they assumed had caused the MI by shutting down the collaterals.  They opened the circumflex and put a stent in it, and decided to leave the RCA alone because the collateral circulation was refilling it so well.

My cholesterol had been high – in the 260’s – for years, although I had an active lifestyle and was not terribly overweight. After the MI my blood pressure was low, typically like 98/65 at rest.  I went on 10mg Lipitor, 81mg aspirin, a low fat diet, and a comprehensive exercise program.

I’m now 52, have had very good annual stress tests – 12-15 min with no pain – and echocardiograms that show very little damage from the MI.  I’ve moved on to 20mg Crestor and 162 mg aspirin over the years, and my total cholesterol is now in the 140’s with LDL in the 90’s and HDL around 46.  My exercise regimen isn’t what it used to be when I was in the gym 5 days a week, but I’m still active and want to ramp it back up to what it was.

My cardiologist just put me on 25 mg of Toprol XL because of the RCA blockage.  I’m a little freaked out about it because I’ve gotten so used to my heart ramping up and down normally when I exercise – I usually keep it in the 130’s when I’m doing aerobic exercises – and I’m worried about keeping the collateral arteries.  When I exercise now I reach a point where I feel like I’m not getting enough oxygen.  

Now my question: Am I being dumb?  I was planning to hike some short sections of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia where I live, which I think I will still be able to do although perhaps a bit slower.  Should I just be happy with a lower level of exercise and being on the correct side of the topsoil?

[FLBrat]

I've wandered about on the AT at Mt Rogers / Whitetop area many times.  Even if I didnt hike it, the view was amazing.

[rigish]

25 mg of Toprol is really nothing to speak of, trust me.  I'm surprised you notice any difference on that dose.  I was on 200 mg. of Toprol a day (100 mg  a.m. - 100 mg. pm) for a year.  Didn't slow me down one bit (then again, I'm type 'A').  (:  

[va_tony]

I agree with the others.  If you were doing 12-15 minutes on stress test, you are in excellent shape.  You can easily tolerate long mountain hikes even on 25 mg of toprol.  Go for the fun. Life is short and exercise is good for you.

[snippygirl50]

I have been on 100 mg of Toprol xl  for about three years. I still do what I need to but do get tired since I hit 50 yrs old, sometimes in the daytime.
Do you have skippy heartbeats ? If so, what do you find helpful to eliminate them? Someone suggested magnesium? s It' some times worse than others. I have found that night time and after eating they seem worse. Also when I get upset they really start. I have been diagnosed with WPW, the cardiologist says everything looks good. I go once a yr. These skippy floppy feelings are frightening...I think i used to be more of a type A...these days i just try to take it minute to minute...