Irregular heartbeat during exercise

[gu99]

I have AHCM but have been told it is largely a non-issue.  But I am taking Lisinoprila nd Verapamil for HBP.

I recently have begun using an elliptical trainer for exercise as I can stand to lose some wieght.  Per most recommendations, I utilize the heat rate monitor built into the trainer to monitor how hard I am working.  During active exercise I find it very difficult ro raise my heart rate above 80-90 bpm and if I'm interpreting the flashing heart symbol right, my heartbeat is very irregular (many fast beats mixed in with extended pauses).  I am not experiencing pain or discomfort during this period and am usually able to go for 20-40 minutes.  After the end of exercise, my heart rate gets much more regular but the rate jumps up to the 130-150 range before returning to normal after several minutes.

So my question is - am I working too hard?  Am I doing damage?  Are my meds affecting heart rate?

  

[gu99]

You are right, I was using the hand grip monitor.  I had wanted to use a chest-strap monitor from the start, but there was nothing in my elliptical's documentation that said a wireless monitor was supported.

However, per your suggestion, I purchased a wireless monitor with chest strap and tried it this morning.  To my surprise, my elliptical picked up the wireless signal.  Also, using the chest strap my heart rate is fairly regular without pauses.  I was easily able to get into the 140-155 range for an entire 35 minute workout.

So you are right, the hand grip monitor is worthless and my concerns were unjustified.  Thanks for your help.

[gu99]

I thought that PVCs might be the cause.  

About 10 yrs ago, my son experienced chest pains during a high school soccer game.  He saw a cardiologist, wore a holter for a weekend, was diagnosed with PVCs, then cleared to play.

I have never been anywhere near as physically active as my son, so its possible that I get them also, without ever having noticed.  I will continue to be watchful, but its more likely that Jerry_NJ had it right.

Thanks for the help.

[no_fate]

I don't know your condition exactly,
but I know that my HR monitor doesn't read PVC's accurately.

When i have (a round of) PVC's, it suddenly shows shows a drop in HR.
Then the HR goes back up and goes down again at the next (round of) PVC's.

[Jerry_NJ]

My guess is errors in the HR readout on the equipment.  How is you HR picked up, hand grips?  If hand grips these are subject to body motion, the more active you become the less constant your contact with the sensors is... that sort of thing.

From what you say it sounds like you are doing fine and I bet you HR is up in the 130 range when you are working out, the machine just isn't picking up you pulse accurately.... that 's my guess, base on some experience with fitness center equipment myself.  I use a chest strap and wrist display when I want to monitor my HR.