Safe To Exercise?

[llyr8]

Hello,

I am a 41 year old Caucasian female (non-smoker, weight 143 lbs, height 5 feet 5 inches ), who recently underwent a physical.  During this examination and resulting blood tests it was discovered that I suffer from high cholesterol (LDL: 150 HDL: 50 Total Cholesterol: 215 Trigylcerides: 77), and hypothyroidism (TSH 7.54).  I have now been taking 0.25 micrograms of levothyroxin for approximately two weeks.

Regarding the findings, is it safe to exercise?  I do brisk walking (4 - 4.25 mph in hilly country) 5 times a week for an hour to two hours each session.  My average heart rate during these sessions is around 75 - 79% of my estimated max of 185 (e.g.226 - my age), though it climbs higher in the hills.  Should I slow down on the hilly parts? Should I slow down in general and keep my heart rate at a lower level while walking?

Also reg. the RVSP ... I had a good case of "white coat syndrome" the day of my exam..  Could this have caused these particular numbers to be high?


Left Ventricle: The Left ventricle is normal in size.  Left ventricular systolic function is normal.

Mitral Valve: The mitral leaflets appear thickened, hooded and/or redundant, consistent with myxomatous degeneration.  There is trace mitral regurgitation.

Tricuspid Valve: There is mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation.  Right ventricular systolic pressure is elevated at 30 - 40mm HG.

MMode/2D Measurements & Calculations:

IVSd: 0.83 cm
LVIDd: 4.2 cm
LVIDs: 2.6 cm
LVPWd: 0.78 cm
FS: 39%
EDV(Teich): 80 ml
ESV(Teich): 24 ml
EF(Teich) 70%
Ao Root Diam: 3.4 cm
Ao Root Area: 9.2 cm2
ACS: 1.8 cm
LA dimension: 2.9 cm

Doppler Measurements & Calculations:

MV E max vel: 81 cm/sec
MV A max vel: 100 cm/sec
MV E/A: 0.81
Ao V2 Max: 156 cm/sec
Ao max PG: 9.7 mm HG
LV max PG: 8.3 mm HG
LV V1 max: 144 cm/sec
TR max vel: 243 cm/sec
TR max PG: 24 mm HG
RVSP(TR): 34 mm HG

[phoenix21]

I have question and I apologize if this is not the right forum for this...

First of all, I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.  My doctor put me on lexapro and I've actually started a magnesium supplement in order to take myself off the lexapro.

I have had an EKG that has come back fine, except for one problem...  When I am lifting weights, after a set is done my heart feels like it will take a normal beat and then all of a sudden a forceful beat followed by a catch up beat.  I momentarily lose my breath and it scares the heck out of me.  I don't understand it as I have always been a competitive athlete and this didn't start until this past year.  It does it sometimes and other times I can work out and nothing happens.  It's the strangest thing.

I guess my question would be what the cause of the Arrhythmia while working out is?  It only happens while working out and not while I am resting...

Please help...  I'm rather nervous about it....

Thanks,

G

[llyr8]

Doctor,

Two other questions for you.  Will myxomatous degeneration get worse over time or does it sometimes stabilize?  How often should I have echocardiograms done to check on this degeneration?

[Cleveland Clinic]

You should exercise daily if you can.  There is nothing wrong with your routine.  Stressing your system is good for you, but you must use common sense.  If you get extremely short of breath or develop chest pressure, it means that you should slow down and rest.  I wouldn't be too concerned about RVSP.  Echo is not a good way of assessing it anyways.  You do not have mitral regurgitation and your RV function is normal.  Keep doing what you are doing.  Try to eat better to bring your cholesterol down.