Can I still walk?

[SusanH]

The details of my recent echo are here and my first appt with the cardiologist is next week. In the meantime:

1. Can I continue my 30-minute daily walk without concern? I have no out-of-breath problems, but since the two valves are not closing properly, wouldn't exercise exacerbate the issue and make the heart work harder than necessary?

2. Should I increase or decrease fluid intake? I read somewhere it is one or the other and I can't remember which! (or is that only for folks on meds?)

Thanks!

 

[Ross]

Your echo results aren't that bad. I'd continue whatever I liked to do unless it's causing SOB. As for the water, drink what you need. If it's going to be a problem, you'll soon know in the form of legs swelling up. Like I said, your echo isn't that bad, so you should be fine.

 

[Nancy]

The presence of pulmonary hypertension is something to consider with exercising. People with untreated PH are cautioned not to push too hard with exercise until the breadth of their problem is fully known. Moderate walking is good, although if you become winded, faint or dizzy, you should stop and take it easy. Lifting exercises are limited with PH, so one has to be careful there. I would discuss exercise tolerance with your cardiologist. I hope you have someone who is a specialist in PH. Many, many cardiologists don't have a clue how to treat it or what to do about it.

You should be having testing for your PH from a specialist in the disease. A 6 minute walking test is a common exercise tolerance test.

And an echo is not the right test to fully diagnose PH. The right heart cath is the gold standard.

My husband has PH, and has for several years. He is on Tracleer and that has helped.

 

[Curtsmum]

My son needs his valve replaced, he runs around like a lunatic, he never gets out of breath, Has more energy than me. The consultant told us to let him carry on as normal. If you dont get out of breath, there should be no reason why you can't carry on walking as usual.