Walking/Heat/Valvers

[Jkm7]

I'm a walker and have been for years. My cardio and surgeon have always been happy about my regular exercise but now that I have a tissue valve, should I be careful about walking in heat and humidity? (When I saw my surgeon and cardio, we were having spring like weather.)

We just returned from Florida and walked every morning but there were times I found myself a little out of breath. Got me worried maybe walking isn't a great idea when it's very hot??

Any opinions?

 

[tobagotwo]

Exercise when it's too hot isn't really very good for anyone. Most people do get more easily out of breath in the heat, and feel less refreshed after the workout. It seems to be more difficult for the lungs to separate out oxygen in the heat (especially moist heat).

Some people have a very poor reaction to activity in the heat. I call it being "heatsick." My grandmother used to call its more severe and unfortunate forms "the summer complaint."

If you've no other heart or lung issues, there's nothing about having a tissue or mechanical valve to keep you from exercising in any way that feels good to you. The only real caveats seem to be around weightlifting, and the concensus in the Active Lifestyles forum seems to be that they're probably overly strict.

You could try mallwalking when it's too hot, and benefit from the stores' air conditioning.

Best wishes,

 

[Dina]

Even before my VR ,I had trouble exercising in the heat, but I dont believe
there is a difference between mechanical vs. tissue. It seems there are
alot of very atheletic tissue valvers around here ,so if this is unusual for
you , you could get it checked if you are worried, but for me its normal
since I have mild rt sided failure and I also have some lung edema at times.
Try not to push too much, I always have trouble knowing where to draw the line.

 

[Superbob]

I second what Bob H said. In extreme heat, mallwalking is a good alternative. Or a treadmill or stationary bike inside. And that really goes for just about anyone.

 

[Jkm7]

Thank you. Appreciate your comments.

 

[alpha 1]

heat

heat

hi,
i know this is a little late, but just seen the post, adams cardio said to stay out of the heat, but the week we were at his office it was running around about 90 out there so it was pretty darn hot, the mall sounds like a good idea to me. good luck.
alpha 1

 

[Philip B]

Exercise

Exercise

As noted in a previous post, outdoor exercise in extreme heat and humidity isn't a good thing for anyone regardless of whether the individual has a replacement valve or not. It's much better to be selective about the conditions you exercise in. Walk outdoors in the morning before things heat up or in the evening when things cool down. I like the previous comment about using a mall with AC.

-Philip

 

[gerrys]

I'm at 8 weeks post op and try to get out around 6:30 am each am for a 4 mile walk followed by a 30 minute aerobic walk on the treadmill. Temps in the early am rarely exceed 80 but by mid-am we see the mid-80's to low 90's. Heat and heavy exercise don't mix. In any event it is important to stay hydrated.

 

[cday]

Cardio doc also mentioned to exercise before eating or wait a couple of hours.

He stated the worst times to exercise is in extreme weather after you ate and your favorite sports team just lost.