Exercise with a low ejection fraction?

andreamia

I had to stop herceptin due to a low EF around the 40-50 range. I'm on lisinopril and metoprolol and have a follow up echo in a month. My cardiologist basically said I need to take it easy for a few months as this is not a heart problem that improves with exercise. This is very hard for me as I'm a very energetic person and long distance runner. I do not have symptoms like shortness of breath. I asked him if I could still even jog a mile slowly and he seemed very hesitant. Come on! Has anyone else continued light exercise with a low EF? Very specific question, not sure if I'll get an answer to this one... :-/

moni731

Andreamia-   yes, I too have a low EF (42) and have continued to run, obviously not as well as I used to. I just listen to my body (also have asthma) and walk when I need to. Good luck.

mebmarj

based upon your diagnosis you may qualify for cardiac rehab.  Of course it depends on insurance, but it would be a way to exercise in a medically supervised area while being on a heart monitor.  Ask your cardiologist about programs in your area, might be an option for you.

andreamia

Mebmarj, that is a possibility, but only for the next couple of months. In Sept. I start a new job and won't have time. I wonder if I should invest in a heart tracker? Not sure how reliable they are. Any suggestions there?

mebmarj

usually length of cardiac rehab is based on insurance and qualifying diagnosis. About 3 months of 3x a week is usual.  Wondering if you have had an event monitor?  It usually has you log activities to see if anything unusual is occurring with the heart rhythm.  There is also an app and mobile phone case that can be used as a mobile EKG recorder, don't remember what company supplies them. Say someone reports frequent chest pain or shortness if breath- they can document the rhythm occurring for a dr to review.  Cardiologist's office should know about them. 

Not sure what heart tracker you are referring to- like a fit bit or the watch/chest strap for heart rate?

Just some ideas for you.

andreamia

I was thinking along the lines of a fitbit or something similar, but the reviews for measuring heart rate with those devices are not very reliable. The chest straps are more reliable, but I was hoping for something simple I could wear on my wrist. :-/

MarshaMay

My cardiologist recommended exercise when my ejection fraction was 10 to 15.  I was referred to cardiac rehab which consisted of working out on treadmill or elliptical and then a few weights, etc.  nothing I couldn't do at home.  

I do have a treadmill and ball, weights, etc. at home, along with the chest strap heart monitor .  The monitor only cost $50 and works for me as good feedback during my workouts.

At cardiac rehab they did take my blood pressure and I wore a portable EKG. during exercise.  My cardiologist explained that some stress on the heart (20 beats over my resting rate) is helpful and weight bearing excersices to strengthen all muscles is also advisable.  The better shape your muscles, the less work for your heart.  I am doing this while on major doses of cardiac drugs and in 3 1/2 months have raised my LVEF to 30 to 35.  Now I can go back on Herceptin and Perjeta which got me to NED  7 months before my heart went out.

Finally, my cardiologist also recommends refraining from alcohol, says heart will repair faster without.  

Good luck.