Training With Heart Rate Restrictions
Long story, but I was diagnosed with a rare heart defect that affects the right ventricle and can cause dangerous arrythmias. I was diagnosed in October 2017 and I'd been lifting for about 1.5 years then. I was told to stop all exercise except walking. Needless to say, this was a tough adjustment. However, after a recent surgery to address the arrythmias, my doctor has encouraged me to start lifting again. He just said to try to keep my HR under 130. I've been back at it for a couple weeks, starting over with my LP. I've actually been surprised that my HR has been manageable. DL and squat is approaching 300. My last heavy set of 5 on DL my HR shot up quickly. I'm worried this will be a limiting factor as the weight goes up. Also, I have a implanted defibrillator so I've been worried about trying cleans as I don't want to hit my device. It also seems like the explosiveness of the exercise would elevate my HR.
Could I switch to triples on my DL? I imagine this would limit my progress at some point. Also, curious if anyone knows their HR on a heavier set of squats. It's nothing I used to pay attention to in the past so I'm not sure what to expect. I feel like the HR restriction will limit my progress eventually, but I'm just thankful to be able to get back in the gym.