question about pacer and exercise

I have had a pacer for 7 years for Bradycardia and Vaso Vagal syncope. It has the rate drop response set. I have had no problems for all this time. Now i have started to work out to lose a little weight and just get back in good shape. I have a personal trainer. Sometimes during the work out I have been getting light headed. I don't feel bad just a little nervous about the possibility of getting dizzy. This has not happened yet. Just getting a little fuzzy. Those of you who exercise regularly might have some answers or ideas for me. Will this clear up after awhile? Do you think it may be caused by the extra stress put on the body? Do I need extra fluids before and after exercising? I have tried to find answers on the net about VVS and exercise and Pacemakers and exercise with no luck. Thanks in advance for your help! Bowlrbob

4 Comments

exercise

by Tracey_E - 2013-02-23 06:02:06

VVS or not, pm or not, fluids are always crucial before and after working out! I do 8oz water + a smoothie with protein before the gym, at least 16oz water during my 1 hr workout, and more protein and 16oz coconut water after I get home. I used to do powerade but don't like all that sugar, and coconut water has more potassium.

If we get dehydrated, it takes 2 full days of drinking the proper amount of fluid to rehydrate. I notice a big difference in my stamina and how often I get dizzy if I didn't get enough water in the day before. And caffeine not only doesn't help with hydration, it dehydrates.

I do not have VVS but my beta blockers make my bp too low. I rarely get through a workout without a little dizziness, some days it's a lot. Sometimes it's what I'm doing, sometimes it's from not hydrating enough or eating right the day before, sometimes it just happens. I ease up a bit then get back to it. I've done it on the treadmill at the cardio's office and he didn't see anything going on when it happens, so he said don't worry about it.

It's always hard getting started when you haven't exercised in a while. Just take it slowly and don't get discouraged. If your insurance covers cardiac rehab, Grateful1 had a great idea. You might be less nervous about it if you have medical supervision at first.

Vaso Vagal

by Grateful1 - 2013-02-23 06:02:27

I suffer from this as well and have only had my pacer since May 2012. I am now in cardiac rehab and doing well. My situation was much more complicated due to a staff infection, etc. I sometimes get light headed but I really hydrate all the time. This is the key component with VVS. You have to listen to your body. I am doing 45 minutes of cardio and 15 minutes strength training. I used to have a personal trainer but honestly they push really hard and you must find a healthy balance. Pushing too hard can be not so good for us with this diagnosis. If your insurance allows cardiac rehab I would pursue that. It is helping me gain trust in my body.

this is very good info

by jessie - 2013-02-23 11:02:39

i am leaving for florida wed and always get straight into water exercises which are really great. i agree that a personal trainer can sometimes be just too brutal and especially for our age group. so when i return home i also will look int to cardiac rehab. i am really pumped about doing more to help myself feel better. i actually feel pretty good but like most of us dont always get enough exercise. thanks for the reminder bob your friend for ages jessie

Cardiac Rehab

by donb - 2013-02-24 12:02:30

Hi Bowlrbob, As others have posted I have also gone through Cardiac Rehab programs. Having your PM for similar heart problems to mine except I also added 1 heart stent since my pms' since 1992. In Cardiac Rehab you will get monitored exercise in !st Phase. Also "ALWAYS" warm up exercise before workout & cool down after exercise which not only helps body build up but mainly strengthens heart muscle. As you're probably aware of "Hitting the Wall" episodes if you work your HR higher than your top HR settings which is not good. As gratefull 1 also suggested doing a Rehab program, you usually need paperwork from your Dr.
As I've had a few bumps in my PM road of life & had to cool my exercise I just experienced my limits yesterday after doing 1 hr. of snowblower. So, It's back to my airbike & treadmill using gradual build-up & rehab standards.
Donb

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