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2006/05/05, 08:07 PM
A month ago I recently had a bout with viral myocarditis (inflamation of the heart). It put me in the hospital for three days. My ejection fraction went from a normal 55% to 40%. I was told no exercise or strenuous physical activity for at least 2 months until my next echocardiogram which is at the end of this month. I am going bonkers not being able to workout. It was my stress reliever and was doing pretty good towards my goal. Has anyone had any experiences with myocarditis? Its fairly uncommon so I don't know anyone who has delt with it.
Dino
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2006/05/05, 08:21 PM
On another note. Once I get cleared by the cardiologist what would be the best way to back into shape both cardiovascularly and body shape.
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2006/05/31, 12:45 PM
Thanks for the info. I hadn't thought of a heart rate monitor but sounds like a great idea. I know there are a few different models out there including one that does not need a chest strap. Any suggestions?
Before the heart damage I was weight training about 4 times a week and running a 8:30 mile with my students each week.
I have an eliptical machine at home and probably will start with that since I have been walking last week and feeling pretty good about it. I also have started back in with the weights but with low weight and only one exersise per muscle group at least for the next week or so and slowly work up from there. I have gained a few pounds (about 7 lbs) due to the lack of activity and want to drop about 15 lbs by the end of July.
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2006/05/26, 05:54 PM
Wahoo!! My doctor doctor said my heart has healed and is back up to full strength. He said to take it easy getting back into my regular routine. I have been unable to do any real physical activity for 2 months. Any suggestions on the best way to get back in shape?
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2006/05/27, 08:51 AM
j_dino,
Good to hear you are feeling better!
Start with some long walks and se how you feel.
What was your routine like before this? You want to gradually incraese your time and intensity, when it comes to the heart it can be frustrating because the increase could be as little as two minutes more cardio a week. So if you started out with 10 minutes week one, then upped it to 12 the next week, then 15, etc.
If you don't already have one, I would suggest buying a heart rate monitor. With the heart rate monitor on while you exercise, you will know if your heart is handling the stress well or if it is too much. Normally, when engaged in cardio, a healthy heart rate will go up, then stabilize in the zone you are aiming for and take only 1-3 minutes to return to resting rate. A fatigued or overworked heart will show with a skyrocketing heart rate during exercise that doesn't reflect the level of intensity and doesn't stabilize or recover - like if you are just walking quickly, but your heart rate has gone into the 85th percent range and keeps going up even though you don't feel like you are exerting.
Another way to monitor how your heart's fitness is doing is to take (and record) your heart rate before getting out of bed in the morning. This is your true resting heart rate. As time goes by, your resting heart rate should decrease (a beat every few weeks, not much) to indicate increased fitness, or stay the same if you are already very fit. if you see a raise in heart rate it means you are overdoing things and need to back off a little.
I hope this info is helpful!
Good luck!
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You don\'t drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
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2006/06/01, 01:23 PM
My elliptical reads my heart rate from the strap, I like the strap but I haven't tried any of the newer types without the strap. I feel the strap is secure and will give a consistent reading, as opposed to the wirst type that could slip around maybe.
It sounds like you are being sensible and easing into your routine, just watch for signs of fatigue and be sure to get enough rest.
Good luck!
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You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.
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2006/06/06, 03:08 PM
The heart rate monitor was a great idea! I went out and purchased one. It was very easy to monitor my workout and knowing when to push it a bit or when to ease off. Had I known this I would of had one long before I really needed it.
Thanks again
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