hi,

we haven't met on the net yet, but i've read some of your posts. i believe i have orthostatic hypotension and/or postural orthostatic tachycardia. i seem to have all the classic symtoms: racing heart rate when i stand up, dizzy, feeling of blacking out, tingling sensation in left arm, etc. i'm fine lying down, but standing up my heart rate can go from 60 to 120 w/in seconds.

i'm in very good shape, eat well, no drugs, no booz, etc.

to the best of your knowledge (and i will see a doctor about this tomorrow), is this dangerous for intense weight lifting? i live to lift, but have found it nearly impossible to do so with certain exercises.

thansk,
nd

ok....anyone out there with this???

Yes, nd. Nice to meet you on another board. I was diagnosed with this exact condition. Sinus tachycardia and orthostatic low blood pressure. In fact, I just saw my cardiologist today. They have done a number of tests over the last couple of months to diagnose this condition and they continue to do testing (ECG's, an events monitor, etc.) It is hard to diagnose and I am not a "classic" case according to my cardiologist.

The condition is treated with medication (trial and error style) and they just started me on one almost 2 weeks ago. (I didn't do well on the first medication they tried.) I am afraid of meds, as you know, and the Dr. wants me to increase this new one tonight. The medication I am on is to help increase my blood pressure by helping my body retain sodium which in turn could help lower the palpitations. My resting heart rate is over 100 and I get palpitations off and on throughout the day.

I have posted to Aerosmith, too, but have not gotten a response. I am glad you are seeing a Dr. about this. Make a list of questions. I asked my cardiologist about exercise (because I used to be an exercise nut) and she said to start slow and build myself up to it (if I feel well enough.) It has been devastating to me because I love to exercise and I am so dizzy that it is hard for me to do it. But I am going to start taking walks and trying to get back into it. I'm only 32 for goodness sake - I should be able to exercise!

Anyway, good luck. Let me know what the Dr. says.

hey there,

yeah...another board now. i'm an exercise nut, so the idea of getting winded w/in 10 minutes is killing me. i've noticed though that it happens with certain exercises; for instance, anything standing such as dbcurls, bbcurls, upright-rows as well as seated exercises such as dbpresses. my heart rate will jump from 70bpm to 130bpm in an instant. i'm suddenly exhausted and out of breath. i can't figure it out. let me know what happens with your meds.

good luck,
nd