I've been on Rythmol for a few years now, exercising the whole time. When I exercise I seem to hit a HR limit, and I was wondering if this is just natural for my age (58) or if its the Rythmol controlling my upper HR? I'm not training for the olympics, just some light cardio for 20-30 minutes, 3-4 times per week. I've exercised all my life and I'm just not getting to the same place I used to, so was wondering if its old age or drugs!

Thanks,

C

Clay, never used it, but I understand rythmol has a beta blocking component. That could explain.

George

That's a common side effect of Beta-Blocker drugs. You should be able exercise as you wish, just your HR won't get as high.

Good to know - thanks!

Yes, it's the drugs. I jogged every morning for 6 months on rhythmol and it felt like I was dragging a boat anchor.

Make sure your cardiologist is aware of your routine. Exercise on anti-arrhythmics carries some risk, albeit minor. All the more reason to get off the darn things as quickly as you can!

My cardiologist told me at the time he discontinued my Rythmol SR, after being on it for 15 years, because it ceased to be effective with my persistent AF that it had a beta blocker in it. I never noticed an upper HR limit but the big thing I did find all those years was that it took me longer to get mu HR into training range, normally 70-85% of THR. Once I got there the only thing that held me back was my VO₂ max. For years bicycling I trained using a HR monitor and a cadence sensor on my cycle computer and totally ignored the speed function. Now I just ride for the fun of it and being out of doors.