Scary situation post workout. Heart condition ?

levankar
levankar Posts: 5 Member
edited November 18 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys,

I am 37 years old and haven't smoked or drank alcohol since 1st April and I am 5'11 and 187 lbs.

I have started working out after many years. For the past 2-3 weeks, I have just been doing casual exercises, sometimes on a recumbent bike or walking on a treadmill or some weight training without a standard program.

On each of these occasions, whether on a recumbent bike or a treadmill or moderate weight training, after 15-20 minutes I have been belching continuously and having mild difficulty in breathing.

I thought it was my mistake as I used to drink a glass of milk or have some bananas 30 minutes before a workout and while belching I can make out its the undigested milk or bananas.

Today, I decided to do a proper workout seriously without any preworkout food. A full body workout with one exercise for each body part ( 6 body parts * 3 sets) and by the end of the workout I was belching pretty heavily.

I somehow rushed out of the gym and while walking home, I was really disoriented. Difficulty in breathing and complete discomfort, I thought I was going to have a heart attack or just collapse.

I had completed my lunch at 2.30 pm and did the workout at 6.00 pm, there was no preworkout food this time and my weight training was less than 30 minutes.

I somehow reached home and there was a massive burp and then I started feeling ok but the incident has left me in fear.

I will obviously get my heart checked but I am would like your opinion on this.

Is my low cardio efficiency the culprit here ?

Shall I do cardio for 1-2 months, till I build my capability to operate lets say an elliptical bike upto 45 mins - 60 mins and then move to weight training. ?

Thanks for reading,

Spetz

Replies

  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    go to a doctor
  • gamerbabe14
    gamerbabe14 Posts: 876 Member
    Doctor asap
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    go to a doctor

    I agree 100%. Get checked out by a doctor.

    But it sounds like you are somehow swallowing air while you are working out, reference the belching part. The disoriented part - that was the 1st time you worked out fasted? Low blood sugar?
  • laurens47
    laurens47 Posts: 117 Member
    levankar wrote: »
    Hi guys,

    I am 37 years old and haven't smoked or drank alcohol since 1st April and I am 5'11 and 187 lbs.

    I have started working out after many years. For the past 2-3 weeks, I have just been doing casual exercises, sometimes on a recumbent bike or walking on a treadmill or some weight training without a standard program.

    On each of these occasions, whether on a recumbent bike or a treadmill or moderate weight training, after 15-20 minutes I have been belching continuously and having mild difficulty in breathing.

    I thought it was my mistake as I used to drink a glass of milk or have some bananas 30 minutes before a workout and while belching I can make out its the undigested milk or bananas.

    Today, I decided to do a proper workout seriously without any preworkout food. A full body workout with one exercise for each body part ( 6 body parts * 3 sets) and by the end of the workout I was belching pretty heavily.

    I somehow rushed out of the gym and while walking home, I was really disoriented. Difficulty in breathing and complete discomfort, I thought I was going to have a heart attack or just collapse.

    I had completed my lunch at 2.30 pm and did the workout at 6.00 pm, there was no preworkout food this time and my weight training was less than 30 minutes.

    I somehow reached home and there was a massive burp and then I started feeling ok but the incident has left me in fear.

    I will obviously get my heart checked but I am would like your opinion on this.

    Is my low cardio efficiency the culprit here ?

    Shall I do cardio for 1-2 months, till I build my capability to operate lets say an elliptical bike upto 45 mins - 60 mins and then move to weight training. ?

    Thanks for reading,

    Spetz

    Certainly see your doctor. I will say this, I have seen more patients whom have stopped smoking developing chest pain and difficulty breathing soon after they have stopped the habit, than I can count. It soon stopped once the body equipped to the change. Again, certainly reach out to your PCP. Good luck!
  • BaddS4
    BaddS4 Posts: 302 Member
    When I was a pack a day smoker I heaved everytime I worked out and after. It does go away but you should still go see a doctor to get a professional medical opinion of this nature..
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    I would try a protein bar or some almonds prior to workout. I get really spacey or jittery about two hours after breakfast and need to eat some almonds every morning. The weird thing is I get up and run 6 miles fasted at 4:30 AM and don't have any problems. It would be a good idea to have blood pressure / blood work checked and an EKG done just in case.
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    I have the same symptoms (minus the belching) if I try to workout fasted. I always have to eat within say 2 hours of my workout or it is a sh1tshow.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    quiksylver296 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    go to a doctor

    I agree 100%. Get checked out by a doctor.

    But it sounds like you are somehow swallowing air while you are working out, reference the belching part. The disoriented part - that was the 1st time you worked out fasted? Low blood sugar?

    All of this
  • levankar
    levankar Posts: 5 Member
    Thank you all for your replies. It means a lot.

    I had done a thorough check up with a cardiologist in Nov,2016 and it had come out fine.

    I will anyways get a complete check up done again, assuming it comes out fine and there are no heart issues, how do I proceed with my workouts.

    Clearly even 18 sets (6 bodyparts * 3 sets) of weight training is proving to be challenge and in cardio , after 20-25 minutes of low intensity workout, I started feeling weird, slightly dizzy

    To answer 'deluxmary2000', I was a heavy drinker and a heavy drinker of cheap alcohol and that pretty much messed up everything but I am out of it.I will not touch even beer now.

    Thanks,

    Spetz
  • 3rdof7sisters
    3rdof7sisters Posts: 486 Member
    You should probably check with your doctor before you do anymore exercise as that seems to bring on the problem you are having. The dizziness is a concern.
  • animatorswearbras
    animatorswearbras Posts: 1,001 Member
    levankar wrote: »
    Thank you all for your replies. It means a lot.

    I had done a thorough check up with a cardiologist in Nov,2016 and it had come out fine.

    I will anyways get a complete check up done again, assuming it comes out fine and there are no heart issues, how do I proceed with my workouts.

    Clearly even 18 sets (6 bodyparts * 3 sets) of weight training is proving to be challenge and in cardio , after 20-25 minutes of low intensity workout, I started feeling weird, slightly dizzy

    To answer 'deluxmary2000', I was a heavy drinker and a heavy drinker of cheap alcohol and that pretty much messed up everything but I am out of it.I will not touch even beer now.

    Thanks,

    Spetz

    I would go to a doctor not necessarily checking just your heart I would mention that you have quit alcohol after heavy consumption. This seems very relevant and it may be more stomach related as gas can give a feeling of heart attacks. I also think you should go as soon as possible. x
  • bobtater1
    bobtater1 Posts: 172 Member
    edited April 2017
    Could have acute alcohol gastritis.
  • brb_2013
    brb_2013 Posts: 1,197 Member
    Definitely just see a doctor, and keep your exercise light between now and getting answers. I used to burp a lot during workouts and not eating beforehand has helped, but I never felt dizzy so that's what's concerning here. I'd stick with very light weights, not a huge challenge but enough that you feel accomplished and keep cardio light as well, such as walking or low intensity biking. It could be as simple as too much too soon, or you're reacting to a sudden wonderful change in your lifestyle in regards to smoking and drinking. It takes the body a while to recover from traumas and toxins. Not that you need a detox, you just need time. But yes definitely a check up where you mention all these details. Hopefully it's just an adjustment period for you! But better safe than sorry.
  • fbchick51
    fbchick51 Posts: 240 Member
    Look up exercise induced GERD or acid reflux. Symptoms sound spot on.
  • Morganbennett1
    Morganbennett1 Posts: 106 Member
    First see a doctor, obviously.
    I would recommend starting with walking, then once your doctor approves, move into more intense workouts.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    animatorswearbras wrote: »
    levankar wrote: »
    Thank you all for your replies. It means a lot.

    I had done a thorough check up with a cardiologist in Nov,2016 and it had come out fine.

    I will anyways get a complete check up done again, assuming it comes out fine and there are no heart issues, how do I proceed with my workouts.

    Clearly even 18 sets (6 bodyparts * 3 sets) of weight training is proving to be challenge and in cardio , after 20-25 minutes of low intensity workout, I started feeling weird, slightly dizzy

    To answer 'deluxmary2000', I was a heavy drinker and a heavy drinker of cheap alcohol and that pretty much messed up everything but I am out of it.I will not touch even beer now.

    Thanks,

    Spetz

    I would go to a doctor not necessarily checking just your heart I would mention that you have quit alcohol after heavy consumption. This seems very relevant and it may be more stomach related as gas can give a feeling of heart attacks. I also think you should go as soon as possible. x

    Agreed, isn't necessarily your heart. Do you have heart problems in the family?
  • ahamm002
    ahamm002 Posts: 1,690 Member
    Hopefully it's just an episode of low blood sugar or volume depletion. But you still have to see a doctor.
  • levankar
    levankar Posts: 5 Member
    Update:

    Went to the doctor, a cardiologist.

    Told him everything.

    His assistant first took the blood pressure which is 130/90 and the assistant told me its normal for 37 years of age.

    Then did a 2d Echo test and the doctor said that the 2d Echo test report is fine.

    Will be doing the blood test and stress test and other tests tomorrow morning as the doc wants me to fast for 12 hours before taking the blood report.

    Thanks guys

    Spetz
  • levankar
    levankar Posts: 5 Member
    Update:

    Got tested thoroughly, blood test, LIPID Profile, Stress test etc.

    I have the reports but the cardiologist is out of town so will show him when he comes back.

    Some highlights are :

    Stress Test:

    Couldn't last more than 3 levels, was on a treadmill for 9 minutes only and max speed of 6.7 km/hr and slope of 16%.Till 96% of target heart rate.

    Was totally breathless at this paltry speed and started panicking and requested the test to be stopped ( I am such a loser )

    The analysis says : Negative for Provocable Myocardial Ischemia.

    Lipid Profile:


    Total Cholesterol : 165 (Desirable : < 200)

    HDL Cholesterol : 41.6 (Desirable : 40-60 , Good : > 60)

    LDL Cholesterol : 109 (Desirable : < 100, Optimal: 100-129)

    HS CRP : 4.64 ( High Risk ....More than 3.0 )........This is the only thing that worries me


    As one gentleman pointed out above, even got a Chest X-Ray done and it came out normal and no diabetes too.

    Got my lungs tested too and I am 37 and my lung age is 75 ( why did I ever start smoking)

    Although, I haven't got the doc's opinion yet, I believe my heart is ok , not in the best shape but ok but my lung capacity is down in the dumps.

    Just waiting for my doc to come back and will show him the reports and wait for his views.

    I wonder how do I go about my exercise now ?

    Thanks for reading and support.

    Spetz
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    Glad things are looking good. Ask doc about the exercise question. Also ask what else it could be, if you should see GI doctor.
  • lillywhite71
    lillywhite71 Posts: 14 Member
    I had very very similar symptoms to you, went through lots of tests and received vague diagnosis of irritable upper digestive tract (ie with no trigger or cause). Prescribed a tablet to take 20 mins before food whilst symtoms remained. Took some time to settle down but rarely flares up now. Stress can make it worse.
  • Katiebear_81
    Katiebear_81 Posts: 719 Member
    I am soooo not a doctor, but I thought I read that lungs can improve, the longer you go without smoking. So perhaps there is hope for you yet at this point?

    My BF used to drink heavily, and the cheapest stuff he could find. We've found that it's really negatively effected his health. Has your dr looked into your stomach/gi system?
  • vingogly
    vingogly Posts: 1,785 Member
    If it were me, I'd wait for the doctor's opinion before getting back into the exercise. I'd definitely ask him/her about potential GI issues -- and your gall bladder, too (which could I think up your CRP levels).

    Symptoms are funny things. A year ago I thought I was developing lactose intolerance, turned out to be a hernia.
  • Sp1tfire
    Sp1tfire Posts: 1,120 Member
    Any problem you have concerning a possible heart problem it's best to talk to your doctor as soon as possible and refrain from intense exercises until they give you the okay.
  • levankar
    levankar Posts: 5 Member
    thank you for your replies.

    Waiting for my doc to come back from a break.

    Planning to invest in a treadmill.

  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    None of this tells you anything about your heart. You need a cardiologist to test you. It could be nothing worse than you being out of shape, it could be an actual health problem, so keep the exercise low intensity until the dr can see you. Even if your problem is just being out of shape, walking is probably the best way to start, so just walk, at a comfortabe pace and keep increasing time.
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