Exercise and dizziness

[Rick]

Hello all! I have had aortic regurgitation for a while and am in the waiting room. As of 5 years ago, the cardiologist told me to avoid "competitive exercise". I had my echo in March and things are stable. I always loved sports growing up. As my son is growing up, with the World Cup around, and being an avid soccer fan, I could not help but go play with him and other people in our neighborhood. I had a great time and enjoyed myself tremendously. The biggest problem is that I would forget that I have a heart condition and typically not notice how long I had played until a few times, I started getting so out of breath that I had to lie down or felt exhausted the rest of the day --- as in, I just want to lie down. The last time I felt a little dizzy. Wondering whether this is the effect of the BP meds, Altace and Coreg (Beta Blocker) or the valve. I have since taken up being goalie but must admit I have a hard time watching it all and not partaking as much or as long as I want.
Has anyone had similar experiences in terms of feeling this tired due to the BP meds and not the actual aortic regurgitation? I have cut back on playing already but trying to figure out if it is me or the meds.
Best regards,
Rick

 

[SumoRunner]

Has anyone had similar experiences in terms of feeling this tired due to the BP meds and not the actual aortic regurgitation? I have cut back on playing already but trying to figure out if it is me or the meds.

I've taken BP & BB meds for nearly 30 years and could never attribute any dizziness to them.

 

[Ryan CA]

I had severe regurgitation prior to my AVR in June. I would notice dizziness and extreme fatigue after mountain biking or stair climbing from time to time. With a large regurgitation you're not getting the necessary circulation. Dizziness may be attributable to the meds, but theres a good chance it is due to the inefficient valve as well.

 

[tom in MO]

I too have taken bp meds w/o problems. I would do as your cardio suggested, that's what you pay them for. It's not worth risking your life for a soccer game.

 

[joel1947]

I have had 4+ aortic regurgitation for 5 years and finally started to get so breathless after exertion that I am having surgery mid August. I never had any dizziness from BP meds, currently Losartin. The only restriction I had was lifting any heavy weight over my head. My cardiologist told me I would know when to rest and I would know when to ask for surgery. So I asked for surgery but am still active, just not as active or performant as I was six months ago.

But everyone is different and the most important thing is to listen to a doctor you completely trust.

 

[river-wear]

I was never on a beta blocker (Metoprolol) until after surgery, but my BP would dip to the low 90s and that would make me dizzy if I turned my head quickly, or stood up too fast. After four weeks my cardiologist took me off of them.