Expert: Todd Bublitz, RCEP - 7/29/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Todd,

We corresponded in early 2003. My jogging program back then backfired - I took it too fast, got adverse heart symptoms (heart sped up for no reason).  An echo stress test showed I was okay.  I'm now starting jogging again.  This time its just a two minute jog three times per week to begin with.  (I'm 50, have childhood PTSD which has weakened my heart.)  Grateful on any advice for starting up again. There's no other feeling that beats that after a good jog!  
Cheers,
Usuff  
Answer -
Usuff,

Please tell me what you did when your jogging "backfired and took it too fast, got adverse heart symptoms (heart sped up for no reason)."

How many minutes were you jogging each time?  How often?  How fast were you jogging?

Thanks.

Todd
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Todd,

Thank you for your question, which I can answer as I kept good records.  Please see a summary of my jogging notes on the webpage at : -

http://www.geocities.com/usuff_omar/jogging2003.htm

In summary, from a moderate jogging program (under 2 miles per jog) at a slow pace (12 to 17 minute miles) at a frequency of about three times per week, I developed muscoskeletal problems and a racy heart within four months. My heart rate would sometimes shoot way up (150s, 170s) on minimal physical or emotional stress.  Also, my jogging performance went backwards the more I kept jogging.  My heart rate was going higher and higher for the same jogging pace and distance (I did calculations and drew graphs to prove this.) On two jogs I suffered mild ischemia.(Didn't know it at the time.) Furthermore, my morning resting heart rate was gradually rising during the jogging program.  

After stopping my program, to rule out possible MI, two cardiologists examined me.  They found no coronoary blockages and okayed jogging again.

My analysis of what went wrong is :
1. I was sleeping poorly during this time (and still am).  My body wasn't sufficiently recuperating after each jog. After good initial gains, I U turned and gradually wore my body down.
2. Lack of nutritional support - minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, fatty acids etc.
3. Oxidative stress occurring, especially in the area of the heart where blood flows the fastest, which is near where the electrical circuits governing the heartbeat are located. Also, I  feel childhood stress has made my heart more vulnerable.

Why I want to jog:
1.  To sleep better. I have chronic insomnia, anxiety and depression. Jogging helps all this!
2.  To help prevent diabetes, have strong family history.
3.  For blood circulation in my brain!  To help stem cognitive decline, avoid strokes.

My plan - to start slowly jogging 1/8th mile three times per week and to add 1/8th mile after every three months, subject to absence of adverse symptoms.  My jogging sessions to be capped at 15 to 20 minutes in duration, to be reached after 2-3 years. More attention to be paid to diet and nutritional supplementation.

Thanks for any advice you can offer. I really value it. My GP has given the all clear for me to jog again, and has even encourged it.
Best Regards,
Usuff


Answer
Usuff,

It sounds like you have thought through this issue well.  Your plan sound good.

I suggest you keep in mind that you can never start too slow or easy - better to start too slow than too fast.

I suggest that if you have further problems, you consult, fact-to-face, with an exercise physiologist professional.  There seems to be too much going on with you than I could help with over a computer.  I would want to see you face-to-face and evaluate how you look while you are jogging.

Best of luck.

Todd