safety of exercise

[malan]

Hi
Would anyone having episodes of ventricular tachycardia know how safe it is to exercise with a 40 minute walk followed by some strength training? Would it make the tachycardia worse or improve it?
Thnx
Malan

[malan]

Thanks for all your postings. Only one doc recomended an EP study, which I avoided since none of the others deemed it necessary. The reason I am a little worried about working out, though I have a great inclination to do so, is because I have read that VT is generally more dangerous than SVT. I have also heard that beta-blockers only supress the symptoms and don't really improve the situation, and also have adverse side-effects for asthma patients like me. The tread-mill tests went off fine, but strangely, I have found that walks sometimes seem to bring on adverse effects- usually the next day (assuming I am making the right connections, as I am still not sure what really triggers it off). I am also wondering whether strength-training is a strict no- no? However, Bromley's running 4 to 6 miles a day is giving me some courage. Thanks again to all.

[Bromley]

I think you have to ask your doctor about your specific situation. Depending on your situation, your doctor may want to give you a test run (treadmill) to see what happens.  I did this and had no problems, so now I exercise with my doctors approval.  In fact, for my specific situation, VT seems reduced when I exercise regularly, but can be more frequent if I do too much.  To put this in perspective, i have only short runs of nsvt.  I run as much as 4-6 miles / day with occasional longer runs. I use lots of rest days to keep PVC's and unwanted heart beats at bay. If I overdo, I start getting strings of unwanted beats during the day (when I am not exercising).

[rbeans]

This is a good question. Before my ablation for VT my EP Docs told me not to do anything strenuous.  My Cardio Dr said I could exercise as long I as was on my beta blockers.

I am going to see my EP DR on the 8th and this is one of my questions.

I would check with your cardio dr. first.

Sorry I can't helpl you futher.

[Jerry_NJ]

Both my cardiologist and my electrophysiologiest say for my AFib (not your condition, but an arrhythmia condition) say go ahead and "work out", just keep an eye on the heart rate.  For me that is keep it below 140, and that means I can't work real hard.  Presumably, working out will increase my ability to hold the HR below maximums.  This is yet to be determined/proven.  

I do walk, but no longer run/jog.  

[Brooke_38]

Have you not had or been offered an EP Study? I am one that looks for a Dr who will be aggressive at treating my rhythm issues. It took me almost 6 years to find a Dr who would pay attention to my symptoms.

Unfortunately, for me it took landing in the ER in full blown rapid Afib needed cardioversion. If your Dr says that you can continue with normal activities, than I would do just this. I hope that you find resolution to this...I always dread that feeling of "waiting for the other shoe to drop" ...if you know what I mean:)

Have a great holiday!

[malan]

Hi
Thnx for the posting. My doc says that my heart structure is normal. He recomended metoprolol 25mg if the irregular beats became too bad. Though he has not been able to find a cause for the tachycardia, he says I can continue with my normal activities. However, the doubts remain as to whether he is missing something!
Malan

[Brooke_38]

Hello...

I can't say that it would improve your symptoms of VT. What is your cardiac history, including medications taken? I really can't comment on this having little information. Also, what does your cardiologist suggest? He/she would be the best judge knowing if this would be detrimental to you.

Hope you get some answers:)