exercising

[Johnnny52]

I'm a 62 yr. old male. I also do distance running. I had double by-pass surgery last May. My main artery had 65% blockage and my EF was 30-35 at time. I also have asthma which I thought was my problem at time since my breathing was getting worse. My EF is now near 50. Should I still be experiencing shortness of breath from heart problem? Know my max heart rate when exercising should be around 165 for my age. Where should it be when I'm running or lifting weights? Or is it safe for me to try and do distance running and weight lifting? I've always been athletic and had a difficult time not going all out when exercising. I am also on an ace inhibitor and a beta blocker. Coreg 7.5mg and Cozaar 25mg. Before heart problem was running 71/2 to 8 minute paces on miles now lucky to run 10 minute and don't seem to have much stamina or wind.

[Ger57]

When I started with a betablocker after MI, my max heartrate went from 185 to 150. It had big impact on exercising. When I discussed this with my cardiologist, he halved the dose, max hf went up again to 170. At that heartrate I still can exercise very well.

[Flycaster305]

Coreg can and does cause a drop in stamina or wind.  That said, it can awaken stunned heart cells like no other drug. You will be lucky if your heart rate exceeds 110.  As long as you are taking a beta blocker, you should forget about your former performance and live with what you can do today.  I know your worry, I was very athletic until heart problems occurred.  However, Coreg really remodels the heart, have patience, and simply accept the fact that beta blockers changes exercise regimes.