weight training and HOCM

[kane]

I am a 46 year old woman with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy on Atenolol 100 mg and Norpace 600 mg per day. I am currently in a cardiac rehab program to increase endurance and lose some weight in an attempt to try and decrease some symptoms (short of breath, chest pain). Most of the patients have had MIs or bypass surgery. I have had neither. The program consists of aerobic exercise followed by weights. I have read that people with HOCM should refrain from weight lifting/ training. The rehab coordinator asked me what the reason was for avoiding the weights and I really wasn't sure. Could you provide us with an explanation of why weights are contraindicated? Thanks.

[elenora123]

A related discussion, Weight Training was started.

[ASAMD]

HOCM is a particular type of myopathy where the beating heart obstructs its own outflow. Good forward flow in this condition depends upon a prolonged ejection of blood from the heart (hence the Atenolol to slow the rate) and a less than forceful ejection. The amount of filling of the ventricle is also important.  When lifting weights, some people strain,and hold their breath, raising the pressure inside their chest. This restricts filling of the heart temporarily and could cause brief episodes of stoppage of outflow. The most likely result would be fainting. If you feel faint or have chest pain while lifting, this could indicate that the weight is too heavy, or that you are straining too hard.

[rquigley]

Olive,

Aerobic and anaerobic exercise puts a strain on your heart. Depending upon your particular symptoms, especially any arrhythmias, you are at greater risk for sudden death and should avoid strenuous exercise.  If your doctor sent you to heart rehab, where typically people are trying to give their heart a workout, I'd look for a new cardiologist who knows something about HOCM.  Try walking and nice easy bike riding, but avoid the hills unless you're going down.

[CCF-M.D.-CRC]

Dear olive,

Weightlifting can increase myocardial hypertrophy and this is why experts generally recommend that their patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) avoid strenous weightlifting.  In general however low level resistence weight training (e.g. 5-10 lb weights) is OK and does not cause any problems.  Ask your doctor if low level weight training during rehab is OK for you.