On exercise restriction because of heart rate?

A few days ago, during a doctors appointment, I was told I couldn't exercise this week because of my heart rate [resting], which was in the low fifties.I'm a little confused - seeing as I've come across many people with resting heart rates in that range that are healthy and fine to exercise.

Why would I not be allowed to exercise? Does physical activity slow down heart rates even further? I'm so clueless. I'd love to go to the gym, but I will listen to the nurse. I'm just curious as to the reasoning behind the exercise restriction?

 

I have a resting heart rate of 52.  Sometimes it hovers around 52-54 but my resting heart rate is always very low. I am in great athletic shape and training for a triathlon.  I workout very hard sometimes more than once per day 6 days a week.  My Dr. said I was in great shape.  Resting heart rate is generally lower in physically fit people. 

Why would your Dr. tell you this?? Did you ask why?  There must be another reason.  PS. I am not saying to go against your Dr. but you should ask for more information.  Ask your Dr. these questions.

FYI =

...Well, if you can’t win the races, you’ve got to focus on other competitions. One of my personal favorites is the physical parameter: Low Resting Heart Rate. As I have described previously, your resting heart rate gets lower as your conditions gets better. You will probably already have noticed that your resting heart is lower when you are in good shape. This is because of a larger stroke volume or more correctly a bigger parasympathic drive on the sinus node. = http://www.training4cyclists.com/what-is-your -lowest-heart-rate-ever/

If she's at a very low weight and/or suffering from an eating disorder, exercise could kill her.
If she's a top athelete, then there must be some other heart issue the doctor is concerned about.

Good catch wistfulxthinking...

cantstopnow = "I'm 5'6" and my goal weight for now is around 114."

That would make your BMI =

BMI is equal to or less than 18.5 (Underweight)
A lean BMI can indicate that your weight maybe too low. You should consult your physician to determine if you should gain weight, as low body mass can decrease your body's immune system, which could lead to ilness such as disappearance of periods (women), bone loss, malnutrition and other conditions. The lower your BMI the greater these risks become.

Listen to the nurse. Take sometime off and eat.  :)

Urgh, yeah, I'm currently 105 lbs and have had an ED for the past two years.

I guess that might have been useful information to mention. I just wasn't sure if my ED had anything to do with not being able to exercise or not, since other people had heart rates in that range and are fine.

 Also, I guess I was just curious as to why physical activity might be something to avoid with a HR that is low, but not low enough to warrant true concern? Just out of curiousity! =]

You need to right down these questions and ask your doctor the next time you see him/her.

We can not give you advice to go against what your doctor or nurse has told you.

If you were told not to excerise there must be a good reason.

Because one of the nasty little side effects of EDs can be your body scavenging your heart muscle for nutrients.  Listen to your doctor, please.

Hi CantStopNow,

Did your doctor specify why (besides your HR) they did not want you to exercise? 

Since you currently have an ED, I am sure that is the main reason why they are putting you on exercise restriction.  Is there any way for to call your doctor or make a follow-up appointment to ask in detail as to why you cannot and what you can do?

You are 5'6" and 105lbs which puts you at a BMI of 16.9 (moderately underweight).  You said that you have had an ED for 2 years. 

If you do not mind, I have a few questions for you that will help us provide accurate information to assist you in any way we can.

• What steps are you taking to recover? 
• Are you currently seeking assistance from a medical professional? 
• Are you taking any measures to gain weight? 
• How many calories a day are you eating?

Here are a couple of good links on recovery strategy: 

http://www.anred.com/relpr.html 
http://www.joyproject.org/overcoming/relapse. html

and for good support: 

Something-Fishy.org (information about and support for eating disorders).

According to this medical authority NEDIC 

"The death rate for eating disorders is high: it ranges between 18% (in 20-year studies) and 20% (in 30-year follow-up studies). In fact, the annual death rate associated with anorexia is more than 12 times higher than the annual death rate due to all other causes combined for females between 15 and 24 years old." Cavanaugh, Carolyn. What we know about eating disorders: facts and statistics. In Lemberg, Raymond and Cohn, Leigh (Eds) (1999). Eating Disorders: A reference sourcebook. Oryx Press. Phoenix, AZ.

It goes on to say " The death rate associated with anorexia nervosa alone is more than 12 times higher than the overall death rate among young women in the general population."
Sullivan PF. Mortality in anorexia nervosa. American Journal of Psychiatry, 1995; 152(7): 1073-4.

These are recognized medical sources.  Please, take a look at the links I provided and discuss them with your family.  We want to see you get healthy. 

Please feel free to PM me anytime.

Take Care,

UTR
Volunteer Moderator

Thanks everyone for your imput. I definitely wasn't looking for reasons to go against the doctor+nurse, I was asking mostly out of interest.

I had a follow-up appointment today, as well as another medical appointment on Wednesday, where I'll see my actual physician.

Undertherainbow -

Right now, I'm not taking any concrete steps to recover. I'm an outpatient at an ED clinic in our local childrens hospital, though. I've been a patient there for over 1.5 years, and have done various groups as well as partial hospitalization. I am being followed medically, and it is a requirement of me being in the program.

I'm not currently taking any measures to gain weight [actually, the reverse has been happening]. It's extremely hard for me right now, especially since I also have to fight bulimic tendencies [binge/purge]. I seem to be stuck.

I hope that answers your questions!

In terms of exercise - I think I'll have to abstain from it for the next little while [my own choice]. Hospitilization was seriously brought up today, and that is something I definitely want to avoid.

Did they mention what measures you can take to avoid hospitalization? 

I'm glad that you are currently involved in a program.  Have you discussed with your doctor what a good recovery plan may be?  How does your doctor feel about you losing weight instead of gaining? 

Sorry for the questions.  I am just concerned and would love to see you getting healthier.  :) 

(((hugs)))