Anyone out there with a similar issue

I have recently been diagnosed with an autnomic system problem that results in a low heart rate when resting and a rate that is higher with low blood pressures after climbing stairs, etc. The cardiologist I am seeing has nailed the diagnosis and is now treating me with a medication that reduces the blood pooling in my lower extremities and the lightheadedness I was experiencing is greatly improved. I am not, however, able to tolerate exercise well and this really bothers me. I love to bike long distances at a reasonably fast pace 17-20 mph and have been unable to do so without getting very winded. Does anyone who has exercised a great deal prior to experiencing problems of this nature have any experience? Is a pacemaker the best option to return to a more aggressive exercise option?
I have enjoyed reading others posts on this site and would appreciate any feedback and personalized experiences.

4 Comments

Autnomic Ssystem

by SMITTY - 2008-07-20 09:07:07

Hello HBKruger,

I don't have the problem you have, but I have heard of one similar. So, if the autnomic system you have been diagnosed with is also called ANS, a pacemaker may treat one of the problems (slow heart rate) that can be caused by ANS. But there are other problems caused by ANS that may also affect your stamina. See the info on ANS shown below and talk to your doctor since he is the one that will make final decision on your needs.



The autonomic nervous system (ANS) (or visceral nervous system) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system, maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Homeostasis is one of the fundamental characteristics of living things. It refers to the maintenance of the internal environment within tolerable limits. All sorts of factors affect the suitability of our body fluids to sustain life; these include properties like temperature, salinity, acidity, and the concentrations of nutrients and wastes. Because these properties affect the chemical reactions that keep us alive, we have built-in physiological mechanisms to maintain them at desirable levels.

These activities are generally performed without conscious control or sensation. The ANS affects heart rate, digestion, respiration rate, salivation, perspiration, diameter of the pupils, micturition (urination), and sexual arousal. Whereas most of its actions are involuntary, some, such as breathing, work in tandem with the conscious mind. Its main components are its sensory system, motor system (comprised of the parasympathetic nervous system and sympathetic nervous system), and the enteric nervous system.



I wish you the best,

Smitty

Monitor heart rate

by axg9504 - 2008-07-23 03:07:21

Are you being winded because your rate is not supporting your needs. Perhaps your doctor can give you a stress test.

Hello

by bini - 2008-07-23 07:07:56

Hi,
I too have an autonomic nervous system problem/ dysautonomia/POTS

I like you have the heart prroblems and extreme low Blood Pressure. I now have a biotronik cylos and it helps the heart rate...I am also taking mestinon and midodrine for the BP. I am still fainting, but I am one of the tougher cases to crack.
I used to exercise alot before I started fainting, but now I am going to workout through cardiac physical therapy where I can be monitored.

Good luck with everything!!!!

Christine

Questions

by hbkruger - 2008-07-24 05:07:55

I had a echo stress test with dobutamine administrations and they really pushed up the heart rate. It showed that the heart was in very good condition and the problem is the low heart rate. I am 5mg of midodrine 3x daily and it helps with the lightheadedness for about 3 hours. My problem is not having much endurance. It sounds like a discussion with my physician about a pacemaker implant is in order. Thanks for the follow up.

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