Any doctors? Is this lack of cardio fitness or am I on course for a cardiac issue?

[Mollytohiding]

Any doctors out there? I'm post meno, have exercised for years and years but whilst for a long time did HITT classes, more and more focussed on heavy weights. This past year, cardio dropped to very little, exclusively weights. I skip for a minute at the end of each session. I walk the dog, but you know - no great pace. I have sedentary job. I have slightly elevated cholesterol (familial)

Two weeks ago, walked up a steepish road with a friend, a bit pissed, talking - got winded, had to stop. Same thing next day uphill on phone.

I then tried to test myself walking up an INCREDIBLY steep hill with difficult foot markings and I did it but it was hard. Husband and kids tore up, annoyingly.

So, am I cardio unconditioned, as they say, or could there be something else?

I don't think I agree. Strength definitely helps your legs, but going uphill is mostly about how well your heart and lungs can keep supplying oxygen over time. Surely?

You can be strong and still get out of breath if you haven’t done much steady cardio recently — as I haven't, for some time, and I'm post meno, where it drops off QUICKLY. in fact having more muscle can sometimes make hills feel harder, not easier, if aerobic fitness lags.

In my case I can still do very hard short efforts in the gym and complete very steep climbs - I tested myself a couple of weeks ago walking up a VERY steep, almost vertical long country hill and it was hard and I had to stop briefly but I did it - but I do think, maybe niavely this points to lost aerobic endurance than a heart problem.

But I'm still going to see GP

It could be base line fitness is low, or angina or you might be fighting of one of the many respiratory viruses (flu) going around at the moment.

Thank you, but I’m fine, you soon adjust and just put it down to one of those things. And in no way am I saying that this is what you have, I guess though that there’s obviously something about this breathlessness that has concerned you, and why you have started a post about it and I think you’re very wise to speak with the GP and just make sure that everything is ok. And then when you get the all clear you can start charging up those hills! 😁

I’m not a doctor but when I’m short of iron I get breathless. I know, even before the blood test.

another vote for this @Mollytohiding

granted you’ve not done cardio for a bit and that could explain it but if your generally fit and well and this is a newish development it’s worth getting checked BEFORE restarting cardio fitness just to rule out any underlying conditions that could be exacerbated by starting a new cardio programme

I run 5K several times a week and am still out of breath on a very steep hill - that's normal.

Go to your GP. Not doctors on the internet.

of course! I'm just soliciting anecdotal stuff, but I would never rely on this forum for my health.

You may be overthinking and over diagnosing. It's hard not to when you don't feel right.

Get thee to a doctor and get an echo. That'll show how well your heart is pumping and lots of other things. ECG and blood tests too.

For information, and not an internet diagnosis! - I had severe breathlessness a few years ago, like you particularly on uphills. Heart fine in the end after many tests, but my haemoglobin was on the floor. Got an iron infusion and never looked back. Just one of many things (treatable) unconnected with fitness levels that can happen.

I spoke to a doctor consultant friend. She said my informal stress test in the gym, and the fact I could do it without pain etc, was very reassuring to her.

Thanks yes I’m fine now. I was told I could have died! I had to inject myself with a blood thinner for three months. It took ages to feel better.

I’ve always had a dog and walked regularly twice a day.

I hope you’re okay.