Fatigue feeling when running and increased asthma

Fatigue on exertion ?

by Gemita - 2021-09-23 06:17:58

BJE22,

As you will know, fatigue is unfortunately all too common in the general population, even in those without pacemakers and can have a variety of causes.  I get severe fatigue from my heart rhythm problems, especially with an irregular rhythm like Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and if I try to exercise during an AF episode my fatigue increases substantially and I fight for air.   I also get fatigue from poor quality sleep, when I have an infection, from anaemia, from my medication (particularly my beta blocker) and so the list goes on.  In your case I would suggest an asthma flare up will quickly lead to exhaustion and fatigue if it is not adequately controlled.

Specifically with the pacemaker, at six months your heart should be used to pacing and the wound and any trauma from the procedure should have settled.  No doubt you have had the usual early pacemaker implant checks to see whether the leads and battery are sound, that your pacing settings are working for you "personally", that there have been no significant events recorded like a high heart rate or a new arrhythmia?  Do you only notice your fatigue on exertion or is it present at other times too?  Many athletic members here get their pacemaker settings adjusted to suit them personally by getting a stress echocardiogram and then working with a technician and their doctors to see whether their settings can be fine tuned to better suit them.  You might wish to ask about this.  

If your fatigue (on exertion?) and asthma continue, I would seek early advice from your general doctor who may wish to carry out a few checks.  I hope you feel better very soon.

pacing and asthma

by Tracey_E - 2021-09-26 18:52:30

The two should be unrelated. All the pacer does is make your heart go faster. If the asthma isn't under control, doesn't matter how well fine tuned the pacer is, we are going to struggle. Oxygen is kind of important ;o)  I haven't noticed it the other way around, heart issues triggering asthma.

It's very possible your settings need tweaked. The cycling is going to be more of a challenge than running because most pacers use movement to trigger raising the heart rate, and when on a bike the chest doesn't move. 

Is your asthma exercise induced? If I'm working out, I know I will need the inhaler so my doctor suggested I do it 10-15 min before my workout. Prevent trouble rather than try to get it under control after it starts. Allergies are a factor for me also. The last two months have been awful and I'm 99% sure it's allergy related. It's definitely affecting my workouts and I'm counting the days until the change of season.