Heart Rate Restricted?

[Cooker]

LOL ... I guess I'm the last person you athletes expected to see here ... I have started walking / jogging and am seriously considering doing to C-to-5K plan (any opinions welcome) ... my question is: does Metoprolol restrict heart rate enough to impede ones ability to jog / run? .... Thanks

 

[epstns]

I can't be sure yet, as I haven't had the final adjustments to my pacemaker yet, but at the moment I cannot jog at more than 4.5 mph for quarter-mile stretches without running out of steam. It could be the pacer (currently set to max out at 130 bpm) or the 100 mg of metoprolol extended release I take each morning. Eventually I plan to force them to "open up" the pacer range, once the EP doc is comfortable that I won't go into afib at a higher rate.

 

[johnp]

The short answer is yes, if you have a high enough dose and/or if you do not tolerate the beta blocker well.

Your body can get used to the med however, over time.

 

[Jason]

I have noticed that it limits the upper bpm, but not my ability to push my exercising. I don't push the exercising as much as some on the board, however, so it may be just that I am within my limits and don't notice the ceiling that metoprolol would have put on me otherwise.

 

[Cooker]

Thanks guys ... I'm only on 25mg and have been for several years ... I'm just starting this quest so I'm sure I will have more questions but I plan to listen to my body ... I just hope it doesn't say STOP NOW:biggrin2:

 

[tprice54]

Cooker, the best description of BB is they are like a governor for your heart....it will limit how high your HR can go. So, the BB will keep you from performing exercize at your best, but should not limit your participation! The Runner's World couch to 5k program is very good, I know many people who have used it.

 

[Cooker]

Cooker, the best description of BB is they are like a governor for your heart....it will limit how high your HR can go. So, the BB will keep you from performing exercize at your best, but should not limit your participation! The Runner's World couch to 5k program is very good, I know many people who have used it.

Thanks Tom

 

[Bean Counter]

I cannot comment on BBs, but would encourage the C to 5K plan and do the race. It is always nice to have something to work towards.

 

[scott.eitman]

See my thread http://www.valvereplacement.org/foru...eferrerid=7522

I believe that BBs affect people differently, but from what I am learning. They can definitely make your body say STOP. At least in the sense of saying "I've had enough, let me rest". That is what I was going through.

 

[epstns]

You guys must be getting a different BB than I have. Mine doesn't say "stop" it shouts "Are you *$%#@** NUTS? ? ? "

 

[Bina]

Toprol 25 mg is a low dose and you should be fine.....but I would be very careful with jogging if you aren't used to it.
You don't want to mess up your back and leg again, power walking is a good alternative. And of course, swimming
is a perfect choice for your climate and won't stress your joints.
Reward yourself with a bowl of fresh fruit and Have fun !!

 

[scott.eitman]

You guys must be getting a different BB than I have. Mine doesn't say "stop" it shouts "Are you *$%#@** NUTS? ? ? "

Nope, the same one. I am surprised you are feeling the strong negative affects already. Good for you. Mine doesn't shout at me anymore, I put it in its place (the trash). I just tried not to be as dramatic.

Bina, I was on 25mg taken 12.5 morning and then again at night. It was hell!

 

[epstns]

Well, Scott, I'm not sure that feeling the negative effects so soon is good -- I'm nowhere near where I want to be in fitness and stamina, and this stuff (or the pacemaker) is holding me back. I start rehab sessions tomorrow, and hope to soon get some indications from the nurses there as to whether I'm stopping at a steady 130 (upper pacemaker limit right now) or some other rate. If I stop just at 130, the limiting factor is probably the pacemaker. If I'm limiting at a varying rate, or just a lesser rate, it could be the BB acting. Time and experience will tell. I just want to get back my strength and stamina, and I'm willing to work for it.

 

[SumoRunner]

Your body will do what you train it to do. A BB will make you a little less efficient than you might be without it, but that's merely a matter of degree. So maybe you'd have run an 8 minute mile had you been 100% and now you'll only be able to do 9. So what? You can still do it.

I've managed approximately 20,000 miles and over 200 races since OHS. I doubt I'd have done more distance or raced more often, but I'm sure I could have run faster. That simply doesn't matter though. Being in the game is what matters.

 

[Duff Man]

Your body will do what you train it to do. A BB will make you a little less efficient than you might be without it, but that's merely a matter of degree. So maybe you'd have run an 8 minute mile had you been 100% and now you'll only be able to do 9. So what? You can still do it.

I've managed approximately 20,000 miles and over 200 races since OHS. I doubt I'd have done more distance or raced more often, but I'm sure I could have run faster. That simply doesn't matter though. Being in the game is what matters.

Man, well said. I'm still breathing after the event and that's what counts - to me.

 

[epstns]

Sumo - Thanks for the reassurance. I've been disappointed in that I seem to be heart-rate-limited by the combo of BB and pacemaker. You have reminded me that it is no longer pure speed that counts. It is the ability to live life well and still compete that counts.

Thanks for posting your sage advice, sensei.

 

[Greg a]

Gee here I thought B&B meant Bed and Breakfast......that is my kind of marathon

 

[Cooker]

Your body will do what you train it to do. A BB will make you a little less efficient than you might be without it, but that's merely a matter of degree. So maybe you'd have run an 8 minute mile had you been 100% and now you'll only be able to do 9. So what? You can still do it.

I've managed approximately 20,000 miles and over 200 races since OHS. I doubt I'd have done more distance or raced more often, but I'm sure I could have run faster. That simply doesn't matter though. Being in the game is what matters.

Jack, thank you ... sometimes the simplest statement has a most profound affect:thumbup:

 

[SumoRunner]

Gee here I thought B&B meant Bed and Breakfast......that is my kind of marathon

If you go back far enough, BB was synonymous with a French blond sex kitten. My how our priorities change over time.

 

[bdryer]

Hey Cooker

Cool, you considering running. Yea BB's impede your speed. Personally, who gives a sh_t! We are out their enjoying the freedom of running. The view from the backseat has it's benefits!

Work on form and technique. Forget about speed and long strides forward of you center of mass. Want you to check out 3 web sites : Pose, Evolution and Chi running. Much of their material can be found on you tube. Study and imitate the techniques. You will run for the rest of your life IF you have proper form and technique.

Want to read a very informative book that supports proper technique which is hugely entertaining? Read "Born to run".

Best of luck and have fun with it. No need to go hard. Make it easy and you will run beyond your expectations.