Exercise intolerance

I am a 31-year-old female with Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Orthostatic Hypotension.  I had an ablation for AVNRT four years ago.  When I exercise, my heart rate goes up quickly, and I feel dizzy.  After trying several medicines, I'm on Cardiazem and Coreg.  These are working better than the others.  My question is, how can I lose the 25 pounds I need to lose if I can't tolerate walking on a treadmill for more than 15 minutes at a time?  I've worn a holter monitor more than once, and the problem can't be found.  After jumping on a trampoline for approximately five minutes the other day with my daughter, I checked my heart rate because I could feel it pounding, and it was 180 bpm.  I had to be helped into the house, and I was sick the rest of the day.  Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

My question is, how can I lose the 25 pounds I need to lose if I can't tolerate walking on a treadmill for more than 15 minutes at a time?  

This is a very difficult -- but common -- situation.  I am probably not going to tell you anything you don't already know. There are two ways to lose weight -- less calories in or more calories out.  Most people can improve their diet and cut out unnecessary foods or additives.  If you make rules you can never eat after 7 pm and cut out drinks that have calories, you will probably cut your caloric intake.

Controlled exercise, even walking, can slowly build up your exercise tolerance.  The worse you can do is become sedentary. Try to continue doing moderate activity.

I hope this helps a little.

[sugarpea013]

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm curious to see what the doctor has to offer. Best wishes to you!

[kitcurious]

Actually, it would be better to exercise in 10 minute intervals than not to exercise at all. Just take exercise breaks several times a day. If you are deconditioned your tolerance will not improve unless you gradually work up to it.

[sammiann]

Thank you for your suggestions.  I am a public school teacher who rarely sits down, so I don't feel like I'm sedentary.  However, it's not fat-burning exercise.  I just know that I have to get to the place where I can walk 30 minutes again without feeling like I've run a marathon.