Can years of intense aerobic exercises over work and weakened a heart muscle instead of improving it's conditi

Question

I was born with a heart murmur but recently diagnosed with CHF. I am a 42 year old wife and mother of 3 teenagers. I was a fitness professional (for the past17yrs) who taught very progressive exercise classes (65%-80% MHR) that mainly focused on improving and maintaining a healthy heart muscle. I was a vegetarian (no flesh foods) for 5yrs. During those years my body fat percentage and body weight was within normal ranges for my height/weight and age group. I have never taken any drugs (illegal or otherwise) and I have never been a heavy drinker (an occasional wine cooler during the college years). I have never taken steroids at all and I have never taken diuretics. Three years ago my mother was diagnosed with CHF and she's 64yrs old. Contrary to me, my mother and Father had been alcoholics for as long as I can remember, intravenous drug users in addition to other illegal drugs. My mom is a heavy smoker and her diet doesn't contain vegetables or fruit in any way. Dad died heart failure

Answer 1

I would have to say that as long as you provide the proper nutrients to your system, that intense aerobics, with appropriate rest intervals, would be good for your heart. Look up homocysteine if you want your eyes opened. It's more of a plague to arteries than high cholesterol. There is a wealth of healthy info at these two websites:

http://www.iherb.com

http://www.chetday.com

Answer 2

There is such a thing as too much exercise. Like everything else, too much of anything can be bad. That does not mean that you should never exercise again. But you do need to be careful because your teenagers need you now more than they did when they were younger (in spite of what they tell you!).
You could be genetically predisposed to have heart problems. It is probably good to exercise enough to get your resting heart rate low. During exercise, avoid stressing your heart rate by getting your pulse to the top of the chart. You might have to exercise longer at a tamer pace. (I've taken up swimming again and love it.)
Watch your ankles - any sign of puffiness or edema is a sign that you need to watch your intake of sodium and time to put your feet up, and you may need to go to the doctor for diuretics. A lot of sports drinks are loaded with sodium - so read labels.
You have lots of advantages that your parents did not have. There is no reason that you cannot learn from their mistakes and missteps.

Answer 3

I think we all know how much exercise is too much especially when we know we have defects or abnormalties...my anwser would be to only exercise in moderation. I think the best exercise is walking....I'm a recent femora by-pass 2 years ago....Dr. says walk, walk, walk. So I happen to think that walking is the best over all exercise.....have a nice day.

Answer 4

exercise is OK, but don't over-do. I would go and get a second opinion, and see if there might be other things that might cause it to seem like you're having heart problems, too. Always go for a second opinion on something serious...

Answer 5

As unfair as your situation sounds and emotionally painful as well, I think it sounds like your medical problems are genetic and likely not related to your condition. You should talk to a therapist (or good trustworthy friend) to help you deal with the anger and hurt that I know you must be feeling.

Answer 6

it has been proven that professional athletes die earlier than other men of their group. Everything in moderation is good

Answer 7

Hi. I have a heart murmur inherited from my father's side. My mom died from a heart attack. So did my father. My mom smoked 2 packs a day. My father was an alcoholic. I don't exercise much -I should- but due to your condition here are some advises:
1.AEROBIC EXERCISE strengthens the heart and makes it more efficient. Examples are walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or aerobic dance. A good aerobic exercise program does not have to be strenuous. Keeping a moderate aerobic pace for just 30 minutes a day provides the same benefits with fewer risks as strenuous activity. Do the "talk test" to set the pace. If the pace is too fast to talk comfortably to a companion, slow down.
Seek medical advice for the exercise guidelines that are right for your heart's condition. If you know you have a heart murmur see a healthcare provider before beginning a strenuous exercise program.



Measuring Physical Activity Intensity

Talk Test
Target Heart Rate and Estimated Maximum Heart Rate
Perceived Exertion (Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale)
Metabolic Equivalent (MET) Level
What are some examples of activities and their intensity levels?
2.A second way of monitoring physical activity intensity is to determine whether a person's pulse or heart rate is within the target zone during physical activity.

For moderate-intensity physical activity, a person's target heart rate should be 50 to 70% of his or her maximum heart rate. This maximum rate is based on the person's age. An estimate of a person's maximum age-related heart rate can be obtained by subtracting the person's age from 220. For example, for a 50-year-old person, the estimated maximum age-related heart rate would be calculated as 220 - 50 years = 170 beats per minute (bpm). The 50% and 70% levels would be:

50% level: 170 x 0.50 = 85 bpm, and
70% level: 170 x 0.70 = 119 bpm
Thus, moderate-intensity physical activity for a 50-year-old person will require that the heart rate remains between 85 and 119 bpm during physical activity.

For vigorous-intensity physical activity, a person's target heart rate should be 70 to 85% of his or her maximum heart rate. To calculate this range, follow the same formula as used above, except change "50 and 70%" to "70 and 85%". For example, for a 35-year-old person, the estimated maximum age-related heart rate would be calculated as 220 - 35 years = 185 beats per minute (bpm). The 70% and 85% levels would be:

70% level: 185 x 0.70 = 130 bpm, and
85% level: 185 x 0.85 = 157 bpm
Thus, vigorous-intensity physical activity for a 35-year-old person will require that the heart rate remains between 130 and 157 bpm during physical activity.

4.Those who participate in moderate- to vigorous-intensity activities regularly should be encouraged and supported in their efforts to continue. While activity at a higher intensity or performed longer offers more health benefits, this level of activity may not be a realistic goal for everyone, at least not to start with. Many Americans, for whom the term "exercise" brings up negative images and emotions, can celebrate the good news by setting a new personal goal-achieving and enjoying the benefits of a regularly active lifestyle that includes a variety of moderate- and/or vigorous-intensity activities. See General Physical Activities Defined By Level of Intensity (PDF-1.4K) for a chart that lists the intensity levels of many types of activities.

Adults should strive to meet either of the following physical activity recommendations.

Adults should engage in moderate-intensity physical activities for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days of the week.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American College of Sports Medicine
OR

Adults should engage in vigorous-intensity physical activity 3 or more days per week for 20 or more minutes per occasion
– Healthy People 2010
More good news is that it's never too late to start an active lifestyle. No matter how old you are, how unfit you feel, or how long you've been inactive, research shows that starting a more active lifestyle now through regular, moderate-intensity activity can make you healthier and improve your quality of life.

This section provides guidelines for how active you need to be to gain some benefit and general information on activity levels of Americans.

How active do adults need to be to gain some benefit?
Are there special recommendations for young people?
Are there special recommendations for older adults?




"The clearer your goal, the better your chance to succeed." —Anonymous

The intensity of physical activity, or how hard your body is working, is typically categorized as light, moderate, or vigorous based on the amount of energy or effort a person expends in performing the activity. See General Physical Activities Defined By Level of Intensity (PDF-1.4K) for a chart that lists the intensity levels of many types of activities.

This section describes the following methods of estimating the relative intensity of any physical activity as it applies to your own level of health.

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Answer 8

in my opinion this is something you need to consult a cardiologist , good luck, let me know

Answer 9

You know I wondered that also good point!!!!