Not sure where to post this question, but here goes. First off, both my parents, now deceased, died form CHF. My older brother has just been diagnosed with CHF. I am 55, 255 lbs. 5' 11" , just had a nuclear stress test as I want to start exercising again. (Mainly on my exercise bike which I love to do) He said all the tests were fine. No blockage, etc. I also have had SVT for over 20 years and suffered Afib back over a year ago with they kept me in the hospital for a few days until my heart converted back on its own. I don't think I have been back in Afib since, although I do have bouts of flutter once in a while. I have been taking Warfarin now to thin my blood for over 2 years. I have also been taking Atenolol 75mg twice a day for the SVT attacks and to keep my heart lower in BPM's. I suffer from sever panic disorder which also drives my heart crazy. I take paxil for that which doesn't seem to help all that much.
So my question is:
I bought a HRM so I can check that I am in my safe "Target Heart Rate" while riding the exercise bike. Since I am 55 years old it says I should say in the range of 85-140 bpm. 85 low end 140 high end. BUT since I am taking the Atenolol it keeps me from beating fast. So the heart resting rate and exercise rate is really a artificial heart rate and not my real heart rate without medication. The best I have been able to get is about 98-100 bpm. But is that a true reading or am I really over exerting my heart at a much higher rate. And if so, what should my exercise target rate be taking the medication.