Improving cardiovascular endurance?

[DazzaB90]

To cut a long story short I had a heart attack in 2014 at the age of 24. My ejection fraction is 42%. I’m on the usual bisoprolol, ramipril etc for heart rate and blood pressure. Before the life changing incident I was very fit and active. Played football, keen cyclist and healthy weight. I was told by my cardiologist I’d never be able to do any of those sports again. I’ve returned to cycling (very slowly!) but struggling with football. I was wondering if anyone else had been in a similar situation and were able to get fit again? I know I’m never going to get to the same levels as before but it’s starting to drag me down mentally now. The local support group was aimed towards people older than me and I haven’t met or spoken to anyone my age. Thanks in advance!

[Nathan53]

Hi DazzaB90

As a pensioner I won't even try to attempt to identify with your experience and what you are going through lol. Hopefully you may receive some contact from someone of your age group on here but in the meantime I have attached a link which may help c-r-y.org.uk/heart-attack-a...

Then again there are many on here like myself who are in there 60's and have taken up regular exercise regimes following a heart attack against the odds so hope that may give you some ongoing encouragement. Well done with the cycling

[DazzaB90]

Yes it was a bit of a shock to say the least! The EF was from my last echo 3 years ago. They seemed happy with how I was so haven’t had one since. I might look into the stress test you mentioned. I find whenever I start going above 140bpm I begin to lose focus especially on the mountain bike. Plus the lactic acid is pretty terrible.

[DazzaB90]

Not being sensible is my problem! It’s frustrating not being able to push past certain points and getting overtaken on hills by men in their 50’s doesn’t help. I’m on 3.75mg of bisoprolol in the morning and 1.25 at night. Also on ramipril 5mg twice a day. On the odd occasion I’ve missed one I’ve felt tightness in my chest but I would assume that’s my anxiety kicking off. I think I’ll arrange an appointment with my GP and take it from there. Thanks for your help and advice, much appreciated!

[oggy0]

Hi Dazza

I'm a little older than you (40) but in a similar ish position having been very active and pretty fit but recently got a dilated cardiomyopathy diagnosis. I'm also now on Ramipril and Bisoprolol with a slightly reduced EF but not enough to be in heart failure.

As recently as July I was taking part in Ironman, commuting by bike every day, plus climbing etc and then in September I was told to stop anything "extreme or competitive" but I should still exercise. My difficulty is I'm so used to pushing myself I'm struggling to know what is too much. I could previously take my HR over 190 and have averaged over 150bpm for 13+hr races . The medication hasn't capped my HR too much at all yet as I'm on low dose so I could still push things if I wanted to. I've given up on the idea of racing next year but don't want to lose too much fitness and finding motivation to exercise is difficult with no events to aim at.

I also did a few years of crossfit which I'd love to do again now I'm not Ironman training. I know from experience that HIIT style training is incredible for fitness gains but can't find any guidance on whether it would be too much or could lead to the DCM progressing more quickly? I am super grateful that my symptoms are limited enough that I can even consider these things and I feel guilty for moaning when so many are so much worse off but as you say, the mental side of coming from being so active is proving to be difficult to deal with. All the groups and advice seem to be towards people who are suffering at the more extreme side of things making it difficult to know what to do for the best to stay as fit as possible.

For now I'm sticking with commuting by bike a few days a week up to 30mins with a few harder efforts thrown in - the shorter but slightly intense sessions seems to reduce any tiredness I was getting from longer more aerobic training, although I've no idea if this is a good or bad thing.

I hope you find some way to make your training work for you!

[DazzaB90 in reply to oggy0]

Hi Oggy,

I can completely understand and appreciate the situation you’re in. Very similar to me. Racing sportives and playing 7 a side tournaments to being told to walk the dogs for half an hour at a time. Similar to you I’ve been perfectly fine at 180bpm previous but struggle to maintain 140bpm without becoming dizzy. Very difficult when you’re cycling up a mountain bike trail and get to a technical section!

I’ve been able to do a half marathon last year in 3hr 10min without killing myself. Also competed in a cycle race where I came dead last. My other half says it’s the taking part that counts and to be proud but I’m too competitive for that. Like you I can’t find any guidance on improving fitness but I guess it’s not a very common subject. You’re expected to be grateful you’re alive rather than wanting to get back on the horse so to speak.

Fingers crossed all goes well for you and you can return to some form of competitiveness!

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I had a cabg x 5 April 2018 and am 63 years old and have always been very fit.Was told do a little walk every day.After couple of months got very bored.Started back cycling,hiking and circuit training am also working 12 hours continental shifts.I also like a glass of wine and a pint of Guinness.I also feel my meds holding me back but I still try to push myself.When I told my GP she was gobsmacked and immediately rang my cardiologist.He said if he's happy doing all this let him.He knows his body best. Life is for living and we are only here once so let's make the most of it.xxx