Navigating Breathing Challenges During Workouts
I’m 35 years old and weigh 193 pounds. I feel a bit hesitant to bring this up because I fear it might just be in my mind, but I would greatly appreciate any opinions or suggestions, even if someone thinks it’s psychological! Back in July, I received a diagnosis of Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It’s been quite a journey, but I’m committed to reclaiming my sense of normalcy. Thanks to a low dose of metoprolol and a hefty intake of electrolyte-rich fluids, I’m nearly there. However, I still grapple with health-related anxiety and the lingering worry that something more serious could be at play. I've undergone multiple tests, including several EKGs, a 15-day Holter monitor, an ECG, and a stress test, all of which revealed only sinus tachycardia. Interestingly, they couldn't capture the SVT episode that forced me to the ER in the middle of that July night. Despite this, I've been consistently exercising and losing weight, pushing myself more in the gym with inclined workouts. Yet, I often find myself feeling breathless, though my oxygen levels remain high, never dropping below 98. While I don’t experience dizziness in these moments, I become quite focused on my breathing. Ironically, the more I concentrate, the harder it seems to breathe, which can then lead to a slight feeling of dizziness. Many of us with POTS also deal with anxiety, and controlling mine is a priority; however, SSRIs and SNRIs tend to exacerbate my POTS symptoms. I previously used Klonopin for two years but stopped due to developing a tolerance and recognizing my dependency—I certainly don’t want to return to that situation. Is this all a psychological issue, or is it simply a manifestation of my POTS, or could there be something else I should investigate? I do have an appointment with an electrophysiologist, who I trust, so I’ll be sure to bring this up during my next visit.
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 12:20:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a complex situation with your health, and it’s completely understandable to have concerns about symptoms, especially after a diagnosis like SVT and POTS. Given your dedication to exercising and improving your health, let’s break down what you might do about your breathing challenges during workouts.
Key Points:
- Breathing Challenges: The breathlessness you’re experiencing could be related to your condition, anxiety, or a combination of both.
- Ongoing Management: It’s vital to monitor your symptoms while continuing your exercise regime, especially considering your POTS.
- Awareness: Understanding your body’s response during workouts can help you manage symptoms more effectively.
Explanation:
Feeling breathless during exercise can happen for several reasons. In your case, the interaction between your heart condition (SVT), POTS, and anxiety plays a significant role. Exercise may trigger symptoms due to changes in heart rate, blood flow, or even the autonomic nervous system, which can be affected by POTS. The more you focus on your breathing, especially if you’re feeling anxious, the more challenging it can feel. Your oxygen levels being stable is a positive indicator but does not eliminate the experience of breathlessness.
Next Steps:
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Pace Yourself: During workouts, consider gradually increasing intensity and allowing for plenty of breaks. High intensity or incline workouts may require adaptations, focusing on sessions that balance exertion and comfort.
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Breath Control Techniques: Practice breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing, both during and outside of workouts. This can help reduce anxiety and improve perceived breathlessness. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and slowly exhale through your mouth.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a simple journal where you note when you feel breathless, the type of exercise, and any accompanying feelings (like anxiety). This could be insightful for your upcoming appointment with the electrophysiologist.
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Hydration and Electrolytes: Since you’re already focusing on electrolyte-rich fluids, maintain that approach to ensure optimal hydration, which can help manage POTS symptoms.
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Discuss with Your Physician: Be sure to bring up your breathing sensations and any patterns you notice with your doctor. Sharing your symptoms and their impact will help them understand your situation better and tailor recommendations more closely to your needs.
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Prioritize Anxiety Management: Since anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, consider exploring additional coping strategies such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or consult with a behavioral therapist experienced in chronic illness management.
It's great that you have an appointment scheduled with an electrophysiologist; your feelings and symptoms are valid, and addressing them with an expert can provide you with additional support and strategies. You're taking positive steps in your health journey, which is commendable. If focusing on your breathing becomes overwhelming during workouts, listen to your body and take necessary rest as needed.
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