AC and heart rate

trigeek

AC and heart rate

trigeek

Hi Gals,

I just finished 4 rounds of Dose Dense AC and will start DD Taxol. I am training for the Breast cancer Half marathon and today I did my long shuffle, which was 1.5 minute jog 1 minute walk. My heart rate has always been a bit high ( even before diagnosis) but now it went up to 183 BPM ( I am 45 ). I was not out of breath and I have also gained about 15 pounds and have not been working out that much, so that might also have been a factor.

When I asked myoncologist on whether I needed to see a cardiologist before he said no. I asked whether I had any limitations regarding working out he said no to that either.

Any suggestions ? Pointers to take good care of our tickers ?

TenderIsOurMight

Well, as you know, 183 bpm is high. Hmmm, do wonder what a cardiologist would say.



I do worry a little with Adriamycin and heavy duty exercise. Always have...



Why don't you repeat the test, really well hydrated, no caffeine, and if it's still high talk again with your doctor or see a cardiologist.



It's reasonable to check into this rapid rhythm prior to running a half marathon.



Great that you're back exercising!

Tender

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chemo072

trigeek - my cancer fitness program won't let me exercise above 125 bpm.  which is challenging for me, because my rate starts out high, 104-115.   I'd love to check in with a cardiologist, so my advice to you is to do that.  Let us know what they say.

booklady

Trigeek hi, have you started the taxol yet?  I did 2 doses of taxol and each time, I had SVT episode where heart rate went up.  The first time I woke up and heart rate was at about 160 -- topped out around 180.  The onc on call told me to go to ER.  The second time, it took about 3 hours for HR to correct itself.  Cardiologist told me to stop taxol b/c heart is not pumping effectively at that rate. It did AC before Taxol as well.  As long as no lightheadness or shortness of breath, then not a cause for panic - it just didn't feel good.

trigeek

Wow Lady, I thought that AC impacted the heart and Taxol would be easier on it, thats why I started ramping up my training, guess I have to look into it a bit more. My first Taxol tx is this thursday. They are dosing me with steroids before, you think your heart racing might be due to that ? Ohh and a quick tip to drop the heart rate.. cough forcefully.. it does wonders.

Amy will try to get to an cardiologist and will post what they say.

Tender, I was well hydrated and had not taken any caf prior to the run. I think the chemo and the weight gain added about 10 bpm's to my regular heart beat.

It is so sad that I can not seem to find any healthcare professionals who can guide me. All I get is ' do what you feel like doing' well.. I feel like doing  a lot ! Just did a 40 mile bike ride yesterday at a really slower speed than I used to, also started my weight training regiment trying to find pointers on lymphedema..( other than do not lift more than 5 pounds !!!)

Anonymous

trigeek...I wish that I could have an answer for you, but I'd be inclined to go with the doctors who advise you to go with your body's messages. On the other hand, that advise is for "normal" people and not those on chemo which can do some mighty freaky things to you. I've always had the opposite problem, with a resting HR at about 43 or so, and can never get up past the 130s unless I want to run at an insane pace (which I don't). I think that I'd agree with the advice that you consult a cardiologist who might order proper tests to determine if everything is as it should be.

A final thought is that your blood counts could be low, but you've probably checked that already, right?

~Marin

acgw

Trigeek,

Please check out Heartzones.com.

According to Heartzones, maximum heart rate is not a factor of a 220-age but instead your maximum heart rate is determined at birth and does not alter throughout  your lifetime.

Three years ago I trained as a spinning instructor.  (I am a PT by profession) We were given submaximal tests to determine our maximum heart rate. Mine was 190 bpm.  In order to work in my aerobic zone I must exercise my heart at between 136 and 152 bpm.  I was 41 at training and am almost {ack!} 44 and those numbers seem to continue to hold true.  

If your heart is functioning well, there is the potential that you have a high maximum heart rate and the 183 bpm is a reflection of your decreased level of fitness.  Having said that, anyone who can ride  a bike for 40 miles is not terribly unfit (It took me a year after chemo to be able to ride that far again) and the elevated heart rate may be an indication that you need to consult with a cardiologist.

Also,

Regarding the 5# weight restriction.

It's history.

The most recent research (peer reviewed, not anecdotal) says it is okay to lift away. Research at the U. of Minnesota has shown that slow progressive weight lifting for women who have had lymph nodes removed does not increase the risk of lymphedema. It was published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.       

Best to you trigeek!