what about exercise??

[tulip71]

Have just come out of hospital where I was admitted with heart failure, AF and flutter due to thyrotoxicosis. I am very fit - this is how I noticed something was wrong, as I could no longer run at the same speed, lift the same weights or even walk up the stairs without getting out of breath. Now I am on carbimazole and verapamil (don't know the US names for these, verapamil is a calcium channel blocker) and I don't know whether I'm back in sinus rhythm yet. Will have repeat ECG on Monday. So until then I'll hold off on exercise. But what happens after that? Can I go back to my normal training routine? Do I need to start slowly or can I just do whatever feels right?

[kenkeith]

If you are experiencing S.O.B. your condition may stlill be in heart failure mode (heart not pumping a sufficient blood supply to meet the system's demand).  It took me several months before my heart had a normal EF (normal range 55-75%).  It takes awhile for the heart to recover and it is not surprising nor unexpected to not match prior exertion levels.  In fact it may be not be beneficial, but harmful to stress your heart. Your doctor should advise a cardiac rehabilitation program.  Take care.

[Momto3]

Hi tulip,

Welcome to the Heart Disease Community!  While there are members here who may be able to answer your questions, there is also a BRAND NEW community dedicated to people interested in learning more about CHF.

Are you having an EKG or an echocardiogram?  If it's an echo, depending on the results, the doctor may be OK with getting back into some type of exercise (provided you are feeling ok).  Good plan to wait to talk with the doctor.  Hope the test results are great!

[ChitChatNine]

Hi .. you are on the thyroid community - simetimes that happens; I've requested your post be redirected to the Heart Community.

Cheryl