Man, it’s been a while. A while since I’ve exercised, a while since I’ve blogged.
A little over a month ago I started having some intense dizzy spells & started consulting with my physician and a cardiologist to see what the hell was going on. I had a few EKG’s, an exercise stress test (treadmill test), a 24-hour heart rate monitor, and an echo-cardiogram (ultrasound of the heart).
While waiting for all of the tests to be scheduled & then when waiting for the results, I wasn’t allowed to work out at.all. Coupled with all of the time I took off from working out because I was lazy felt burned out, we’re talking about 6-8 weeks of no workouts. I could take leisurely walks and super easy bike rides, but I wasn’t allowed to get my heart rate up – so no speed walking, mountain biking, running or swimming.
I got the test results today, after several weeks of waiting and wondering and worrying, and I’m happy to report that just about everything is normal, and the dizzy spells have been attributed to a drop in my blood pressure (it has gone down in the last few months). (And I should say that the dizzy spells have gotten better…I only get them now if I stand up REALLY fast after sitting for a long time, or after having my legs crossed.)
The only “problem” the cardiologist found is that my heart rate gets higher faster than is expected for someone my age. Otherwise I’ve been told that my heart is “very efficient”, that my blood pressure comes back down after exertion really well (your blood pressure rises during workouts & then drops back down as you recover), and that the chambers and valves of my heart are functioning completely normally.
While there isn’t anything that is “causing” my higher-than-normal heart rate during exercise, my cardiologist has told me I need to keep my heart rate down while I’m working out.
And by “keep my heart rate down while working out” I mean “don’t let it get any higher than 145-150 beats per minute”.
(Update: I spoke with my doctor the day after I posted this & he agreed it would still be safe for me to let my heart rate get to 155 or 160 bpm during intense workouts. However, to be safe, I’m still going to “target” 145-150 as my maximum effort & know that if I go slightly over that I’m still in an OK.)
That’s going to be a HUGE change for me – my heart rate has always gotten pretty darn high during my workouts. On just about every run I’ve ever taken my heart rate would get as high as 170-180 BPM.
But I’m not surprised that my cardiologist wants me to stay in the range of 145-150 BPM maximum. You see, way back in March when I went through Spinning Instructor training, we calculated our target heart rate zones and my “endurance/aerobic zone”, where I should be completing most of my workouts, came out to be 143-155 BMP.
So the cardiologist’s recommendation is right in line with what I already thought I should be doing. The difference is that now I feel like I actually have to follow through. After spin training I kept the 143-155 range in the back of my mind but would let my heart rate get higher. Now that I have an actual recommendation/target zone from my doctor, I will be watching it and keeping it in check.
In the end, I’m totally relieved to know there’s nothing wrong with my heart. And I’m nervous about starting over…because I know that’s what I’m doing after so many weeks off.
I know that I won’t be able to run any time soon (if ever again) and stay at or below 150 BPM. But cycling shouldn’t be a problem, and even some easy swimming should be manageable.
I just need to build up a base-level of fitness again and see what I can do.
Well I’m happy to hear that your heart is ok, although this news must be frustrating for you in some ways, too. Good luck building your base level back up!
Definitely frustrating at this point but I rather be in this situation than have gotten bad news! It will be a challenge to see what I’ll be able to do but I’m up for it!
Well, I’m definitely glad you’re OK! My best friend from high school is going through some scary heart stuff (her heart would just go into V Tach — while she was just walking around) and it is really not something you play around with.
As for starting over — well, you have to start somewhere right? Do you think that strength training would get your keep your heart rate in range? I have really been enjoying my boot camp workouts. They get me going, but it’s not the same as running or even spinning.
Will I still see you in Sept??
Wow-I hope your friend gets everything figured out! Definitely sounds like a scary situation and makes me feel lucky!
Strength training is certainly on my list now. I mean, I know I should be doing it anyway but gave never had the motivation to actually do it! Can’t hurt!
Yep, you’ll see me in September – I’m looking forward to it! Are you ready for your session??!!
Glad that everything is okay. It’s always hard to start over after time off. There nothing to it but to do it. I’ve started over so so many times. I’m adjusting to being a non-runner now, and realizing that there are so many other things I can do. I know you will continue to inspire me as you get back on the workout wagon. Best of luck!
Thanks Caroline! I’m definitely relieved knowing that everything is Ok. I tried spin class last night and my legs are SORE today..so it’s definitely starting from the very bottom!
So glad your tests came back ok, and glad you are able to at least start some easy exercising again. I know you must have been going crazy having to be so sedentary!
I was definitely getting a little bit of cabin fever. I just hope it’s easy to get back into the routine of workouts after getting into the routine of sitting on the couch so much!http://activeeggplant.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php?comment_status=moderated#
If I were you, I’d take this opportunity to hit up lots of strength training. Your heart rate doesn’t get too high and it does WONDERS for your body. I’m telling you, I am just a couple pounds off the weight I was BEFORE I started Weight Watchers (aka, fat) and I look completely different because of weight training. Then I looked overweight/soft and now I just look fit/normal. I mean, sure I could still stand to lose 8lbs but seriously, it will make you look like a young whipper snapper again.
You and Michelle think alike! I’m definitely going to start strength training. I need to find a program to do though – I have the Body For Life book so I’m thinking of loosely following that plan. I know it’ll only help me in the long run, and I could totally go for looking like a young whipper snapper again!
How scary! But I’m glad you have some answers!
I’m very happy to have answers-or at least know there’s nothing wrong with my heart!
You already look like a young whipper snapper! But of course in my eyes, you ARE a young whipper snapper! Strength training does sound like a great idea.
I guess I am Mom! But I sure do feel old sometimes!
Glad your results came back good. Sorry to hear about the running, but awesome you can still swim and bike! Let me know when you are up for a bike ride. I have not really biked in awhile — you set the pace and I provide the company…
A ride would be great Kerri! Hopefully the temps will start dropping soon so we can get in some mileage without suffocating!
Good for you for getting that checked out! So often people ignore symptoms because they don’t want to overreact. Sounds like you got some good advice there, you can get it done!
Thanks so Michelle! My theory was “better safe than sorry” and I feel much better now that I know everything checked out OK!