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Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT) and Running

Heart Rhythm Conditions | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (23)
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@janadegeest

Hi Fritz, (I assume)
I am 58 and training for marathons, too, so I am very interested in your post. Over a few years I had sometimes had heart palpitations, but last summer, during a hill training, my HR went up to over 200 and didn't come down till 30 minutes later; however, I have not yet been able to determine what that cause is, it could come up even if I am relaxing on the couch or just walking in the park. This summer's event was the moment I went to see my doctor, who, after a 48h holter test, didn't think it was too concerning (she mentioned Afib and Ventricular tachycardia) but put me through to a cardiologist and there I have been put on a treadmill, had an ultrasound and two weeks holter. This cardiologist was still unsure what my issue was so I am back on a holter for two weeks and scheduled for an MRI. During my last consultation, we discussed medication, but with a low resting heart rate of 42, it seems to be problematic, but also potentially a pacemaker. Have you had any of these suggestions? Have you heard of pacemakers for runners, and if they can still exercise to the same intensity? Cheers, Jan

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Replies to "Hi Fritz, (I assume) I am 58 and training for marathons, too, so I am very..."
fritz3rd | @fritz3rd | 2 days ago

Hi Jan, and thanks for the post! My real name is Frederick; I've adopted Fritz in honor of my father.
Since I wrote my story, I did manage to run two more marathons. My goal was to hit 70 by age 70 and then do 1 per year. I got up to 76 but had to stop. The SVT became more and more frequent in both running races and when training. So much so that an activity I loved over the years became painful and tiring. Long runs (20 miles) took 4 hours and I had to walk frequently. I rarely reached the point where the long run did its job. I think I believe the SVT diagnosis, although I often thought of getting a second opinion.
Unlike your situation, I have never had an episode during any activity other than running. I was prescribed Metropolol which would act as a "governor" on my heart and was to take a dose one hour before running. It did work as a governor, all right - so much so that I could not really train; my pulse could not get above 120 or so and I was accustomed to a high of 140-150. I was never told of any other remedy like the ones you mentioned and never heard of a pacemaker for runners.
I am now 78 and have given up any serious running. I do walk/run for up to 8 miles, but limit the length of the run portion to about a mile, but usually .25 or .5 mile.
The only other remedy I've heard of for our condition is ablation; the doctors do not recommend that for me and I'm not interested in taking the risk.
Again, thanks for the reply; I hope you find a solution for your issue.
Fred H

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