6 B
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 2016
TO YOUR
GOOD HEALTH
Excercising
with
A-Fib
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 76-
year-old man who has atrial fibrilla-
tion. To control this problem, I am
presently taking Tikosyn, metoprolol,
warfarin and aspirin. For exercise, I
walk or run at least 5 miles, five days
weekly. In that 5 miles, I jog rapidly at
least 3-4 miles. I push myself pretty
hard. What I want to know is, in your
opinion, am I putting myself in jeop-
ardy by exercising in this manner? —
J.M.G.
ANSWER: There are three parts to
your question. Is vigorous exercise
dangerous for: someone with atrial
fibrillation on a rhythm-control med-
ication; someone on anticoagulation;
and a 76-year-old man in general.
Tikosyn (dofetilide) is an antiar-
rhythmic drug used to stop A-fib (a
chaotic heartbeat) and keep people in
normal heart rhythm. Exercise gener-
SALOME’S STARS
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
Impatience is still somewhat of a prob-
lem. But a sign of progress should
soothe the anxious Aries heart.
Meanwhile, invest some of that wait-
ing time in preparing for the change
ahead.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
Bovines tend to excel at solving prob-
lems, not creating them. But you risk
doing just that if you’re slow to
respond to a timely situation. If neces-
sary, seek advice from someone you
trust.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) The
Gemini Twin might need to do more
than a routine check of both a job-
linked and home-based situation. Dig
deeper for more data on both fronts to
avoid unwanted surprises later.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
ally is considered safe with this med-
ication, but I think a pulse monitor
might be a good idea to make sure you
aren’t going into a dangerously high
range. The metoprolol tends to keep
heart rate low, but exercise can over-
whelm that effect. The American
Heart Association would recommend
a heart rate no higher than 125-130;
however, some healthy 76-year-olds
can exceed that safely.
Exercise while on anticoagulation
medicine also is safe, with reasonable
precautions. You shouldn’t be in a
sport that is likely to cause significant
trauma. Fortunately, running is safe,
unless you have had falls.
I am a big believer in the value of
exercise across all ages. Regular exer-
cise makes us feel better and have
fewer falls, and it helps reduce heart
risk and cancer risk. Overdoing it,
however, is never a good idea. Stay
with a moderate, not extreme effort,
and build yourself up gradually. It
sounds to me like you are exercising
safely, but I would want to double-
check your pulse rate at maximum
effort.
Readers: Atrial fibrillation is the
most common type of irregular heart-
beat, and becomes more probable
with age. To learn more, order the
booklet on Heartbeat Irregularities by
writing: Dr. Roach — No. 107W, 628
Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
Enclose a check or money order (no
cash) for $4.75 U.S./$6 Canada with
the recipient’s printed name and
address. Please allow four weeks for
delivery.
DEAR DR ROACH: I was won-
dering if it means anything that I have
not bruised in at least 10 years. I am a
59-year-old male of German and
Italian descent, but favor the
Mediterranean skin tone. I occasional-
ly get whacked, but never see a bruise.
I have mentioned it to doctors, who
never have much to say. — D.G.
ANSWER: Bruises result from
broken blood vessels in and under the
skin. I frequently get asked about
causes for easy bruising, which
include fragile blood vessels (which
just happen as we get older), low or
poorly functioning platelets (especial-
ly from medications like aspirin) and a
myriad of other causes. Nobody has
asked me what it means to not bruise.
Fortunately, I think it just means
that you have good blood vessels and
a good clotting system. I am sure you
would bruise with a bad-enough
“whack,” but I don’t recommend test-
ing that hypothesis.
Moon Children facing an important
workplace decision are encouraged to
use their perceptiveness to see through
any attempt to win them over with a
supercharge of fawning and flattery.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Good
news catapults Leos and Leonas into
reconsidering a deferred decision. But
time has moved on, and it’s a good
idea to recheck your plans and make
adjustments where necessary.
VIRGO (August 23 to September
22) The week favors relationships,
both personal and professional. Take
the time to look for and immediately
repair any vulnerable areas caused by
unresolved misunderstandings.
LIBRA (September 23 to October
22) A friend’s problems bring out your
protective instincts. Be careful to keep
a balance between meeting the obliga-
tions of friendship without being over-
whelmed by them.
SCORPIO (October 23 to
November 21) The temptation to take
an extreme position on an issue is
strong, but moderation is favored both
in personal and professional dealings.
Move toward finding areas of agree-
ment.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to
December 21) Getting another boss or
teacher? Try to see the person behind
the image. It will help you adjust more
easily to the changes that new authori-
ty figures inevitably bring.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to
January 19) Much as you might dislike
the idea, keep an open mind about
using the assistance of a third party to
help resolve problems that threaten to
unravel an important agreement.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to
February 18) Music helps restore the
Aquarian’s spiritual energies this
week. Take someone you care for to a
concert of your musical choice. Also,
expect news about a workplace matter.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20)
A challenge that seems easy enough at
first could take an unexpected turn that
might test your resolve. Decide if you
feel you should stay with it, or if it’s
better to move in another direction.
Siuslaw N ews
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