Exercise affects my heart but if I don't exercise surely that is worse

[Witchofzog]

I have an irregular heartbeat with mild bradycardia. I have had all the tests under the sun - holter ecg's, eco cardiogram and treadmill test and been advised it is ectopic and just one of those things and been prescribed beta blockers

I used to go to the gym and it made my heart really irregular afterwards so I stopped going. I tried walking more but although it didn't affect my heart quite so badly I still found there were mild effects. And I started putting on weight, especially round my middle which I know is dangerous.

I had a period of no real exercise at all this year for around 6 months as life was quite busy and my heart was the best it had ever been. I felt totally normal. But I recently started doing the 30 day shred and my heart rate is all over the place. Even dp noticed it when I was asleep in bed last night.

What can I do? I don't want to harm myself but not exercising is really bad too surely? I can't swim well so please don't suggest I try swimming. I don't have a lot of time so was hoping the shred would work for me. Can anyone advise me?

I’m sticking with walking; slow, brisk, with steep bits, on the flat depending on how I feel. I swim in the same way, sometimes lengths, sometimes a bit of a paddle and treading water. Low level yoga has been great.

Thanks @JumblieGirl. Do you have heart problems too?

In a similar nature to what JumblieGirl posted you need to find a way to exercise that works for you.

I don't have heart problems.

But my advice wouid be to continue walking, adding brisk ntervals and extend them gradually. Then, when you are stronger and talking hills with aplomb and no after-effects, add a 60sec jogging interval every now and again. If you find that OK, move on to C25K

Also, look at yoga and Pilates classes, as they are less likely yo raise heart rate but can be good for you all over.

What advice have you been given by the Dr, or hospital team?
30 day shred looks incredibly unsuitable for someone with a heart condition including arrhythmia . Start small and slow, listen to your body and build up your strength over time. Ask the medical lot for advice.

Swimming or walking at a regular pace (not especially briskly) for a longer period (incorporated into your day by walking to places would make it easier, but I know that can be impossible if you live somewhere public transport and getting off a stop early or simply walking to work or shops is logistically impossible).

Sorry i somehow managed to skip over you not wanting to swim. Just walking then.

Go and talk to your doctor about this.

I spoke to the GP when I was still going to the gym a couple of years ago and was told to hold fire until I had undergone further tests. After these I was told that the problems were benign and nothing to worry about. I guess I need to get specific exercise advice too. I just hate wasting my GP's time and every time I see a GP about this my travel insurance goes up too.

Walking seems like the best plan but it takes ages to get up to a decent level of steps which is time I don't always have and it just doesn't tone my midriff. I always feel quite good after the Shred - if my heart does play up it is always a few hours later which is what was happening when I went to the gym too.

Everything I'm reading suggests that many people with your condition can safely do regular aerobic exercise. You need advice from a doctor who understands your condition.

I hope I can exercise safely like you say @ragged. I guess I will need to bite the bullet and speak to my GP.

Water aerobics doesn’t usually involve swimming. Bicycling. Walking with poles uses more muscles.
No matter what you do, nothing will be quick.

I have looked into water aerobics but in my area they seem to only do it during the day when I am at work. It's a shame because I think I would enjoy that. What is walking with poles?

Look up Nordic walking.

I thought ectopic beats literally means nothing is wrong so there’s no specific recommendation.

How did your husband notice your heart rate was all over the place?

Thank you @grasslands

@topsyanddim. He usually spoons me during the night and his hand was on my left side. Benign means they are not sinister, not that they do not happen. Sometimes my heart rate is noticeably erratic.

Ask your doctor
There is no way I would give advice on what you can do should do

Ask to see cardiac exercise nurse

I know - but they’re not sinister so they don’t matter. Most people get ectopic heart beats

No-one can advise you though apart from a medical expert

I would ask for another cardiology referral anyway if your symptoms have got worse. The British Heart Foundation are a good source of advice as well.

Thank you every one

I would definitely ask your doctor's advice.
II don't have brachycardia but have ectopic heartbeats and palpitations which can be frightening.
I just googled brachycardia and it said slow heartbeat, but I thought betablockers further slow your heartbeat so am confused?

That is exactly what I thought @flowercrow but they actually don't slow my heart rate down further though they do help to regulate it. I was very apprehensive when I first started taking them though

oh, well I'm glad they regulate it for you.
I hope you go to the GP and tell them your symptoms seem worse and ask for specific advice.