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Arrhythmia, Heat and Exercise
Hi all,
I was posting a couple months ago regarding my recent diagnosis of PVC, NSVT, and SVT. I was told they were all benign and to move on with life as normal. I had a couple good weeks with no major runs of arrhythmia, and since yesterday have had several short runs of what feels like NSVT.
I have two questions for you all:
1. When you get overheated, do you get more arrthymia? I have a den that is full of windows, and when the sun is out (even in the cold wintertime) it can get really hot in the room - even with the shades closed. I was doing something in there, started to feel overheated, and wham! Got several runs. I left the room, cooled off, they went away, went back in today for something, wham. Got them again! Wondering if it's coincidence or the heat that is egging them on.
2. Are any of you afraid to exercise? Not so much a brisk walk, but really pushing yourself hard? I have been told not only that I am okay to exercise but that it might even help, and I am just freaked out to really push it. As soon as I break a sweat and get my heart rate up there I get anxious. Even though I have been thoroughly checked out and got the thumbs up, and logically I understand this, it just feels scary to push it. I *need* to get over this fear, as I have to get my cholesterol levels down and want to stay healthy. But I know this is what keeps me from really getting a good workout. Anyone else? Has anyone had this and overcame it? I'd love to hear how.
I'm moving on, as suggested, but these two things seem difficult for me - heat and exercise.
I was posting a couple months ago regarding my recent diagnosis of PVC, NSVT, and SVT. I was told they were all benign and to move on with life as normal. I had a couple good weeks with no major runs of arrhythmia, and since yesterday have had several short runs of what feels like NSVT.
I have two questions for you all:
1. When you get overheated, do you get more arrthymia? I have a den that is full of windows, and when the sun is out (even in the cold wintertime) it can get really hot in the room - even with the shades closed. I was doing something in there, started to feel overheated, and wham! Got several runs. I left the room, cooled off, they went away, went back in today for something, wham. Got them again! Wondering if it's coincidence or the heat that is egging them on.
2. Are any of you afraid to exercise? Not so much a brisk walk, but really pushing yourself hard? I have been told not only that I am okay to exercise but that it might even help, and I am just freaked out to really push it. As soon as I break a sweat and get my heart rate up there I get anxious. Even though I have been thoroughly checked out and got the thumbs up, and logically I understand this, it just feels scary to push it. I *need* to get over this fear, as I have to get my cholesterol levels down and want to stay healthy. But I know this is what keeps me from really getting a good workout. Anyone else? Has anyone had this and overcame it? I'd love to hear how.
I'm moving on, as suggested, but these two things seem difficult for me - heat and exercise.
You had a stroke in your 20's? Well I am glad that things are much better for you now. You sound like you are almost ready for the ironwoman marathon :-)
The giant thud is probably close to the "dropped" feeling. Be glad you don't get those. My doctor acted like there was no difference-who knows?
Well you have given me inspiration to keep moving forward with my exercsing. Enjoy your cycling class tomorrow!!
The giant thud is probably close to the "dropped" feeling. Be glad you don't get those. My doctor acted like there was no difference-who knows?
Well you have given me inspiration to keep moving forward with my exercsing. Enjoy your cycling class tomorrow!!
Yes, I had youth on my side after heart surgery (I was 24 years old) and you spring back easier, lol. I don't feel as invincible as I did back then so am a bit more skiddish but I do remind myself that after a stroke and open heart sugery I managed these classes, so I shouldn't let some benign arrhtyhmia hold me back!
Yeah, baby steps! I came to the conclusion that I need someone to kick my butt for me. If I leave it to myself I'll leisurely ride the stationary bike for 20 minutes and say, 'uh, good enough'. If I go to a class, though, I'll follow along because I don't want to seem like a chicken and I won't leave for the same reason. LOL. So all I really have to do is show up. Last year I would walk for a few minutes, run for a minute, and each week increase the time I ran until I was running for 1/2 hour. But then once I got to the point where I was running a decent amount, it got really cold and I didn't want to be outside much, so there went that idea.
I got 2 PVCs in class, they were the thumps - more like little ticks/skips. I'm not sure I ever had the drop down feeling with PVCs... Every once in awhile I'll get one that just feels like a giant THUD. Is that what you are talking about? I hate those.
I am soooo sore today - my quads hurt and going up and down the stairs is painful! But it's a good painful, I suppose. I'm going back on Sat afternoon for another class. Yikes!
Yeah, baby steps! I came to the conclusion that I need someone to kick my butt for me. If I leave it to myself I'll leisurely ride the stationary bike for 20 minutes and say, 'uh, good enough'. If I go to a class, though, I'll follow along because I don't want to seem like a chicken and I won't leave for the same reason. LOL. So all I really have to do is show up. Last year I would walk for a few minutes, run for a minute, and each week increase the time I ran until I was running for 1/2 hour. But then once I got to the point where I was running a decent amount, it got really cold and I didn't want to be outside much, so there went that idea.
I got 2 PVCs in class, they were the thumps - more like little ticks/skips. I'm not sure I ever had the drop down feeling with PVCs... Every once in awhile I'll get one that just feels like a giant THUD. Is that what you are talking about? I hate those.
I am soooo sore today - my quads hurt and going up and down the stairs is painful! But it's a good painful, I suppose. I'm going back on Sat afternoon for another class. Yikes!
Are you kidding? There is now way I am ready for that class yet. Even when I did attend I would have to go at my own pace. It was THAT intense, and it sounds like it hasn't changed-no matter the location-lol.
Okay, you had heart surgery in the late 90's and you started working out again (at a very intense level I might add)? I am VERY impressed!!!!!!! You are a strong person whether you realize it or not. Good for you!
I worked out again this morning. I am hoping and praying by late spring/early summer I can start running on the treadmilll, and then I may actually get outside to do it :-)
Please keep in touch and let me know how it's going.
Oh, I wanted to ask you. The PVC's you were getting in class, were the the "thumps/bumps" or the drop feelings? I can usually handle the thumps, but the ones that make you feel like your heart just dropped (like in a roller coaster ride) really shake me up!
Okay, you had heart surgery in the late 90's and you started working out again (at a very intense level I might add)? I am VERY impressed!!!!!!! You are a strong person whether you realize it or not. Good for you!
I worked out again this morning. I am hoping and praying by late spring/early summer I can start running on the treadmilll, and then I may actually get outside to do it :-)
Please keep in touch and let me know how it's going.
Oh, I wanted to ask you. The PVC's you were getting in class, were the the "thumps/bumps" or the drop feelings? I can usually handle the thumps, but the ones that make you feel like your heart just dropped (like in a roller coaster ride) really shake me up!
iamfaithful - we pedaled off the seat for 45 minutes w/out sitting back down on the seat! It was tough! I kept thinking, ??? when are we going to sit down?!?! LOL.
I'm still alive everybody! I did get a few PVCs but it was mostly when I'd start thinking, 'oh, ****, I've got 45 minutes left' or 'oh ****, this is getting intense'. I think they were more nervous skips than exercise skips. I made it through, though it was crazy intense and my legs are like noodles.
I had my heart surgery to repair a congenital defect in the late 90s. I went to this workout studio shortly afterward to get back into shape. It was a hard road but I did it, and there were a few freakouts and trips to the ER but I kept plugging away. Eventually I was doing 2 hour crazy classes and would go for a jog sometimes afterward, too! I was really in great shape.
Then I moved away and couldn't find a gym I liked as much. I'm back in my hometown and thought, okay, I'm going back. I was scared because I remembered how tough the classes were but I can't keep being fearful of these arrhythmia. If I drop dead, fine. That's better than always being scared. But fortunately, I didn't. Maybe doing these classes will prove to me that these arrhtyhmias really are benign.
Back when I took the classes several years ago, I had PVCs, but not the longer runs that I have now of NSVT and SVT. I didn't get any NSVT or SVT during the class.
Thanks all for the support and encouragement, I'm going to keep it up. I already feel energized - and my first week of classes are free! So I've got to take advantage of that and get back there this week.
I had my heart surgery to repair a congenital defect in the late 90s. I went to this workout studio shortly afterward to get back into shape. It was a hard road but I did it, and there were a few freakouts and trips to the ER but I kept plugging away. Eventually I was doing 2 hour crazy classes and would go for a jog sometimes afterward, too! I was really in great shape.
Then I moved away and couldn't find a gym I liked as much. I'm back in my hometown and thought, okay, I'm going back. I was scared because I remembered how tough the classes were but I can't keep being fearful of these arrhythmia. If I drop dead, fine. That's better than always being scared. But fortunately, I didn't. Maybe doing these classes will prove to me that these arrhtyhmias really are benign.
Back when I took the classes several years ago, I had PVCs, but not the longer runs that I have now of NSVT and SVT. I didn't get any NSVT or SVT during the class.
Thanks all for the support and encouragement, I'm going to keep it up. I already feel energized - and my first week of classes are free! So I've got to take advantage of that and get back there this week.
Kudos for having the guts to jump in on an exercise regimen like that.
To answer your question - of course! It's the ultimate catch-22, making exercise a leap of faith sometimes.
If you're still kicking, let us know how things went on the bike. :)
To answer your question - of course! It's the ultimate catch-22, making exercise a leap of faith sometimes.
If you're still kicking, let us know how things went on the bike. :)
You are too funny. You will be fine (I can say that to you but can't to myself). You MUST let me know how you do in spin class. That is one of the most intense classes I have every taken. I look forward to doing it again one of these days. So....I can't wait to hear how you did. How long have you been spinning since your arrythmia's?
Talk to you in a few :-)
Talk to you in a few :-)
Thanks all. I am braving it and going to a pretty intense workout class here in a few minutes. SCARED. But if I can get in good shape again, that would be so wonderful - I'll feel better and look better and have more energy. I really miss that so much. I'm scared I'm going to go into v-tach and then v-fib or something. It's a spin class, so at least if I feel tired and can lower the resistance on the bike and pedal at my pace. I know what you mean - it does feel a bit like a handicap to have these arrhtyhmia. I wonder how many others have this and just keep working out.
Hope to report back to you guys after class, LOL. If not, RIP, nervouslady!
Hope to report back to you guys after class, LOL. If not, RIP, nervouslady!
I have noticed that any type of temperature flucuation can bring on a PVC/PAC, it does in me. I notice mine more when it is cold and windy out. I think it has something to do with holding ourself rigid and this in turn can cause the different heart rate.
I use to love to walk, but, now, I get really scared, and I barely go at a snail's pace, I do better if someone is with me. I know it is healthy to exercise, I am just scared of something happening and being alone. My echo and holtor monitor tests were both good, so, I do not know why I insist on worrying, but, alas, I do.
I use to love to walk, but, now, I get really scared, and I barely go at a snail's pace, I do better if someone is with me. I know it is healthy to exercise, I am just scared of something happening and being alone. My echo and holtor monitor tests were both good, so, I do not know why I insist on worrying, but, alas, I do.
I just posted a question regarding exercise and PVC's. I was afraid to exercise when I first started experiencing PVC's which was almost 2 years ago. I was an avid runner and cycler but stopped cold turkey once this happened.
Now I am off my meds and exercising again and I really enjoy it. However, I had a pvc today while working out and it scared me. But I continued, just at a slower pace. I feel like I am handicapped in all honesty. But exercising overall really does help me with the stress of it all.
Now I am off my meds and exercising again and I really enjoy it. However, I had a pvc today while working out and it scared me. But I continued, just at a slower pace. I feel like I am handicapped in all honesty. But exercising overall really does help me with the stress of it all.
Hi
I have had NSVT for around four years now. I strongly suspect that it started immediately following exercise in hot, humid, weather, though the docs have not confirmed this. However, I have noticed a strong connection between arrhythmia and heat. Despite the docs reassurance of the benign nature of the NSVT, I feel afraid to exercise. But since I have heard that exercise is good, I try to force myself to do some, though a walk seems to make things worse for me. I have not overcome my fear, but am now trying to avoid exercising in heat by scheduling my exercise for the coolest part of the day.
I hope this is of some use and with best wishes,
Malan
I have had NSVT for around four years now. I strongly suspect that it started immediately following exercise in hot, humid, weather, though the docs have not confirmed this. However, I have noticed a strong connection between arrhythmia and heat. Despite the docs reassurance of the benign nature of the NSVT, I feel afraid to exercise. But since I have heard that exercise is good, I try to force myself to do some, though a walk seems to make things worse for me. I have not overcome my fear, but am now trying to avoid exercising in heat by scheduling my exercise for the coolest part of the day.
I hope this is of some use and with best wishes,
Malan
I have always had a lot of skipped beats, extra beats that I always ignored, but my main concern for the last 2 years has been afib. Based on that I can tell you that:
1. Heat was never a factor. I live in Atlanta and it gets hot here and now that I look back on it, my afib has been worse in the cool months than the hot months. But I think that is just a coincidence. Just remember to keep yourself well hydrated at all times. Especially in the hot months or when exercising.
2. I live to exercise and be active. After my diagnosis I got myself a heart rate monitor (Polar) and went for it. I was told by my EP to keep my rate at or below 120 (yea, right) and tried to keep it below 135 for extended periods of time and limit the high range to 160 (like when cycling up hills).
The HR monitor allowed me to know when I was in afib, which is a dangerous condition for me because my rates go to 200+ and I can pass out. Not a good thing on a bike. As long as I was in NSR, I would feel free to push myself when working out.
If you've been given the all clear to work out, then go for it. Start out and gradually build up your endurance over time and enjoy yourself! A good sweat never hurt anyone :-)
1. Heat was never a factor. I live in Atlanta and it gets hot here and now that I look back on it, my afib has been worse in the cool months than the hot months. But I think that is just a coincidence. Just remember to keep yourself well hydrated at all times. Especially in the hot months or when exercising.
2. I live to exercise and be active. After my diagnosis I got myself a heart rate monitor (Polar) and went for it. I was told by my EP to keep my rate at or below 120 (yea, right) and tried to keep it below 135 for extended periods of time and limit the high range to 160 (like when cycling up hills).
The HR monitor allowed me to know when I was in afib, which is a dangerous condition for me because my rates go to 200+ and I can pass out. Not a good thing on a bike. As long as I was in NSR, I would feel free to push myself when working out.
If you've been given the all clear to work out, then go for it. Start out and gradually build up your endurance over time and enjoy yourself! A good sweat never hurt anyone :-)
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