Beta-blocker Hr Reading But No Beta-blockers

[DwithBeneFITPT]

I have a client who is overweight. Recently i had her purchase a polar hr monitor. Our first session, she seemed to have had a normal HR and cooresponding obvious physical exertion.
Now, the past three sessions, she showed the same level of physical exertion but a VERY LOW reading on her monitor, similar to a beta-blocker reading.
I had my client call her physican and my client stated her physican Allegedly told her to work harder.
-First of all i think a physican would be a bit more concerned then to say "work harder" if she explained the concern properly. But that is besides the point

Any one else ever have a similar occurance?

[bigfrog]

I agree with you on the Dr...

I need more info though. Was there a huge concern for your suggestion of the monitor? I mean, when you did the initial interview and assessment? Does she have high bp, cholesterol levels, heart problems? I know you're protecting yourself and you client, but if those things weren't a factor and her Dr wasn't concerned, is there a reason you're afraid of pushing her harder?

I have had 1 client like that and I too was cautious of pushing her. It was like she had plateau, but she was still getting stronger. I did get a Dr release and talk to him. I was told a certain number he didn't want her heart rate exceed. Once I had the number I'd get her to that point and keep her there for 5 minutes, then back off for it to come down. Then I'd repeat. It took longer than normal, but was safer. She wasn't on any medicine, but was almost to the point of being put on some.
I consulted him once more as she progressed and he elevated the hr number. My advice, ask her if you have permission to speak directly with him.

[DoItUp]

I have never been in the same situation as this, but i have worked with recovering heart attack clients who are on bet blockers. The most important thing to do is to listen to the client. Make sure before you start any physical exertion that you tell them to listen to their body and how they feel. Tell her to let you know any changes that she feels, this way you know she will not get hurt.

if your clients heart rate is not changing in relation to her physical exertion then there could be a couple of problems. The monitor could be broken or not working properly. A simple way to check for this is by just checking her HR yourself manually.

Another problem could be that she is on some beta blocker type medication and somehow doesn`t know or isn`t telling you. Idf this was the case then she would start to feel severe fatigue in her leg muscles and eventually her legs would just give out form under her and she wouldn`t be breathing any harder.

I hve a feeling that it may have more to do wih the second problem, because of what she told you her physician said to her. ? agree and I think that a physician would be a little more concerned.

If you want to check if she is not on any beta bloker type meds then increase her physical exertion on the treadmill or cardio equipment. If she is on a beta bloker then her legs will begin to become extremely tired. Stop her before she collapses but if she gets to that point then you know shes on something. Before you do this I would double check the HR monitor and make sre that is is working properly

[DwithBeneFITPT]

Thanks guys,
I really appreciate it.

I could tell you at this point, I push her to the safest possible limit. During the assessment she did give me a list of prescriptions she does use. I researched all known effects and non indicated any type of beta blocker side.

It sucks because you are right, she could be yanking me with incorrect info as well.

Bigfrog: I like to use a monitor for most all of my clients. When i first started training i came to realize that some people are hard to read (facial expressions or body language concerning exertion)
She has very LOW blood pressure. My fear to push her hard doest exist but i understand how that could have been percived in my post. When a client is red in the fact breathing heavily and sweating extremly and reads a h/r of 85 it is a bit alarming.
She is making huge progress though. Initally she wasnt able to perform the simplest movement and now has improved to being able to perform most bodyweight movements and few weighted (VERY DECONDITIONED). Like i mentioned, her readings were normal in the begining. Thank you for the advice, i will be contacting her doc. ASAP!

Doitup!
Thank you again. It could be the HR mon., although it was brand new, who knows! things can be faulty leaving the factory!