Why do I hyperventilate when I take walks or attempt to exercise?

Question

I tend to hyperventilate when I take walks or attempt physical exercise. I was wondering if anyone could tell me why. I am usually not bothered by this if I am walking short distances such as back and forth to the mailbox, but if I walk maybe 2 or 3 blocks, it seems to become a problem. I have noticed that it generally starts with an erratic heartbeat followed by a sensation of fear and then the hyperventilation. Sometimes, however, the hyperventilation precedes the erratic heartbeat. I am in my mid fifties and am currently taking 280mg. of Inderal a day for the erratic heartbeat, but the drug just doesn't seem to completely control it. Also, I take drugs for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an anxiety disorder. The problem with the erratic heartbeat began in my late twenties and has plagued me ever since. Lately, the hyperventilation / erratic heartbeat seem to have worsened. It is reaching a point where it is hampering my life and making things unpleasant and difficult.

I was wondering if hynosis might help. Please, no answers from anyone other than medical personnel. Thanks.

I should add here that, over the years, I have developed a rather strong fear of having a heart attack due, I think, to the problem of the erratic heartbeat.

Answer 1

it's completely normal that you breathe more frequently when you exercise. because when you are doing more work physically, your heart is pumping faster, therefore you need to breathe more and faster too to supply oxygen to your blood for the heart to pump.

you have a heart condition -- that's why your heart is working harder because of your hypertension and cholesterol. i think you need to slow down and don't push yourself too much. when you are trying to exercise, you should still be able to talk -- if you can't, then you need to slow down. don't push yourself -- im concerned about your heart conditions and your age -- have you spoken to a doctor before incorporating this exercise regimen to your lifestyle? you need to be extra careful, because despite how good your intention is, if you do this incorrectly -- you could risk heart failure. so speak to your physician and slow it down. because of your condition, i don't expect you to exercise too much and do brisk walking for long periods of time. regular walk is just fine, and you need to eliminate foods high in sodium and saturated fat in your diet.

and no, hypnosis will not help. this is a biological condition, not psychological, something that the mind has no power over anymore.

Answer 2

Your stamina has been reduced due to follow a sedentary life style before. You would overcome this problem gradually and spontaneously. Keep on exercising. It is not a disease.

Answer 3

You could have exercsie induced asthema. Yes, it's a real condition. Call your doctor and make an appointment to get it checked out.

Answer 4

Liposuction, suck all the fat outta you so that you no longer need to exersise, thats what 12 years of schooling has told me about America.

Answer 5

Do you have consistent swelling around your ankles? Do you have a cough during these episodes? Possible: congestive heart failure.

Answer 6

you said only medical people but...you sound like my son. he was diagnosed with activity induced asthma. he was given an inhaler(anbutol, not spelled correctly) I'd ask my doctor about it

Answer 7

you don't mention your weight if u are a few pounds overweight it won't help.

Answer 8

see your doctor pronto. good luck. cheers!

Answer 9

because everyone does !