What causes the pulse to drop at the start of running?
Patient: 48 yo white male, athletic 10 years ago (rowing, running 10k races, cycling) now 100lbs over weight, on 10mg Lisinopril for now 4 years. Starting get back into shape starting stationary cycle in winter, twice week, 9.5 miles in 30 minutes, adjusted to level 4 of 4 most difficult in weight loss setting. Now spring and getting outside again. Have run 5 times so far, each run profile the same, starts with stretch, 1 block walk, then begin run with hill up (vertical about 40 feet), then walk, jog, walk, etc.. This for 1.2 miles ending with down hill. Wearing GPS heart monitor watch with chest band. QUESTION: I begin to run and for first 2 minutes, my pulse drops from 73 to about 40, then sharply climbs over the next two minutes to 143-160 (depending on day) then stays in that range for rest of run, basically reflecting pace of run-walk. Total jog lasts about 19 minutes with total elevation change about 80 feet vertically. ...I have an appointment with my GP in July. Any thoughts? 5/31/2011 Thom Doctor: Hello,There are many possibilities, first the monitor may be giving a false readings and may need to be checked as dropping of heart rate to 40 without any symptoms like dizziness syncope is a far-fetched. Then as an athlete for many years, so far, without any history of medical importance makes you in a good cardiac performance, but for sure you may be asked to do some simple tests like EKG, echocardiogram, or just a precise cardiac examination that's all for now.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards,Dr. Mahmmad Gamal