Hot temperatures - golfing

Hi all:

I've had an uneventful several months since my pacemaker was installed for Bradycardia. We winter in Florida and I play a lot of golf. I have noticed since the temperatures have risen in April as has the humidity, that I feel somewhat breathless and just a little woozy. Has anyone has these symptoms? It also feels as though the pacemaker is actually starting up. Mine is set to not allow the rate to fall below 60 but I was told it could go as high as I wanted during exercise, etc.

7 Comments

Are you hydrating?

by Theknotguy - 2015-04-22 01:04:33

Are you hydrating enough? Since I got my PM I've noticed I have to drink water on a regular basis. Used to go all afternoon w/o a drink of water. Now have to do the six glasses during the day and two at night. If I don't, start to feel bad and get flu like symptoms.

If I'm working in the woodshop, where I'm a lot more active, I have to add two more half liters of water to what I mentioned above.

Hydrating

by Jardiniere - 2015-04-22 04:04:29

Thank you for such a prompt response. I always have water with me but I don't think I am drinking 2 10 oz. glasses per 18 holes of golf (or 4.5 hours). I am golfing tomorrow and I will try to double that and see if it helps. Thanks again.

Heat = exhaustion

by Lurch - 2015-04-22 05:04:10

I live in Florida and have for most of my life. Over the past couple of years, since my EF has dropped and I am on heavier meds, the heat is starting to get to me. Get out of breath easier and tire much easier.

I agree with Theknotguy, you must stay hydrated. I have found that I take more frequent breaks than I used. During my breaks I always stay outside! If you go into an air conditioned space to rest the heat will seem much worse when you return.

I also have a PM for Bradycardia

by Shaun - 2015-04-22 06:04:38

My PM is also configured for 60bpm and I've had it for nearly 7 months. I find that so long as I remain active I feel good, but if I get too sedentary then I can start to feel a bit breathless (nothing too severe), cold and woozy. My pulse also sits at about 60bpm and my blood pressure can drop to about 93/60. Additionally I find that stress aggravates the problem as there are a few things going on at the moment that are getting me down a bit at times. But the thing I find frustrating is that general feeling of being unwell without actually being able to quite put my finger on the exact symptoms. It just seems to be a combination of lots of little symptons that together cause a general feeling of un-ease. I'd better stop there as I'm starting to ramble and I'm not sure I'm making much sense.

Bradycardia 2nd Degree Heart Block Type II

by Mywingman - 2015-04-22 07:04:23

Yes, Jardiniere. I have had my 2 lead PM for just over 12 months. When I too work in the yard and it is hot and humid I get the same issue. Mostly when working low in the garden and then moving up vertically to quickly. My unit is set at 60 to 130 bpm. The PM picks up movement to adjust BPM. However, when exertion is involved in the vertical it does not seem to respond well. It goes away when I stop and pause for a moment.

humidity?

by kbell - 2015-04-22 10:04:03

I was just researching this. I also have a PM for bradycardia but haven't had it long enough to test it out in the heat.

http://www.ambientweather.com/heind.html

I found an explanation and a chart that may be of use.

High humidity is a cause of increased complaints of shortness of breath. There are a couple of possible explanations for this phenomenon. First, as humidity increases, the density of the air increases. More dense air creates more resistance to airflow in the airway resulting in an increased work of breathing (i.e., more shortness of breath).

Another possible explanation is that as humidity increases, the prevalence of many known airborne allergensincreases.

Shaun

by Jardiniere - 2015-04-23 05:04:28

You echo my symptoms and said it well. I stayed very hydrated on the golf course today and I was fine. I guess this new state of affairs just takes getting used to. I will have my one year check in May and will bring up the issue at that time. Thanks again for all who replied. I am impressed with the level of care in this group.

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