Bad idea?

Howdy, I posted here before about my diagnosed sinus bradycarida/sinus node dysfunction(RHR 36-42bpm). My doctor doesn't think I need a pacemaker at this point, or is unwilling to proceed in that direction possibly due to my age(based on comments of his about my being too young for a pacer).

I'd really like to get back into cycling, it's been many years since I hit the bike hard. I've been getting out of shape, and part of the reason I went to get checked out in the first place is due to my low heart rate even before I ever started cycling and my wanting an all-clear to proceed. It does wonders for me and I'd really love to get back into it. I'm concerned because my heart rate before I ever started was as it is now. Cycling didn't cause my heart rate to drop originally.

I know heavy cycling can drastically lower heart rate, and I'm concerned mine could get too low after a period of training. I feel alright once my heart is going, and I know I can handle the exercise just fine, but I'm worried about the effects this could have on me when I'm at rest.

It's strange, I know I want my resting HR faster because I'm already dealing with the symptoms of such a low HR. And I'm thinking if I do this, it will make my resting HR plunge and possibly force my cardiologist's hand on the matter. I feel this is kind of unethical to do though. But I'm tired of dealing with all this, and whether I had a low HR or not I really want to get back into cycling. I'm tired of having this problem keeping me from doing what I'd like to be doing.

6 Comments

go get another opinion

by Tracey_E - 2016-03-01 03:03:50

You just hit on one of my HUGE PET PEEVES!!! Age is never a reason to not be paced if all other indications are that we need it. Why make us struggle, put stress on our bodies, when there is a fix? Ask the question, if someone 80 or 70 or even 60 had the same symptoms, would there even be a discussion or would that patient be sent for a pacer? If you have symptoms, fix it. JMHO :)

I would not worry about your rate dropping from cycling. It shouldn't happen unless you're doing professional level training, but if it does I wouldn't worry about it because exercising and staying fit is important. We have wonky electrical systems, we can't let the muscle get weak and bring on new problems. Do what it takes to keep the heart strong and healthy.

If you cycle, it's important when it's time to make a decision that your doctor knows you bike. Some pacers only raise our rate when they detect movement, which doesn't happen on a bike. Others detect breathing or a combination of the two, and they work much better cycling. If you do a search for cycling, this comes up all the time here.

Maybe, maybe not

by BillH - 2016-03-01 03:03:56

Yes, long term endurance training does have a tendency to lower HR.

I have seen a couple of articles on this. The current though is that this is caused by a change in the HCN4 "funny channel".

There are also genetic changes that cause can cause lower HR.

I have not seen anything about whether these are additive or not.

My GUESS is that they are not.

Get another opinion

by Good Dog - 2016-03-01 08:03:49

I completely agree with Tracey on this. I had a very similar problem as you. I didn't have any trouble getting my HR up when I exercised. I could pretty much do anything and had great endurance. However, my problem was that my HR would drop too low. I received my PM at age 38 and that took care of that problem. Afterwards I was able to exercise and my HR would often exceed the high limit of the PM. No problem. However, it kept my HR from going too low when at rest and kept my HR in proper rhythm at the lower end all the time.
I can understand the benefit of waiting to get a PM, but when your quality of life is compromised, then overcoming that should supersede any and all other rational.

Sincerely,

David

check with someone else

by Lisalac - 2016-03-02 04:03:54

They wanted me to wait for mine too after I was in the hospital in October and was diagnosed with sick sinus and bradycardia the sick sinus was causing my heart to beat irregular but they thought they could control with Meds. Same thing doctor said she's too young. Well that didn't work 3 weeks later back in CCU and an pacemaker implanted. That was 1 dec. I now feel better my running has come back and I'm happy that in the end I pushed and said I can't live like this

2nd opinion

by Chinswimmer157 - 2016-03-02 06:03:15

Hey, you should get a second opinion. I'm in my early 20's and getting an S-ICD next week so your never to young to get one.

Reverse Ageism

by Grateful Heart - 2016-03-03 03:03:05


I'm going through that now with an Orthopedist. He said to let him know when I was ready for a hip replacement over a year ago. Well, I told him I was ready a few months ago...too much pain and difficulty walking. He sees it has gotten worse on the X-Rays.

But now he is saying I am not 70 years old (I'm 59 so I'm no spring chicken). He said if he does it now, I will probably need it again in about 10 years. He gave me a prescription for pain medication.....he had no problem with that.

He replaced my other hip 3 years ago so I don't see the logic. Obviously I was not 70 then either.

Today I had to cut my gym session short. I couldn't even walk across the floor so I came home, sat in a chair and took a pain pill which took more than 3 hours to start working. This pain level can't be good for my body.

My frustration level is as high as my pain level.

Grateful Heart

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for being a couch potato.

Member Quotes

Life does not stop with a pacemaker, even though it caught me off guard.