Stair machine -> rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

[DanInPhilly]

Just though I would mention this. A few years ago I really got into stair machines, and was doing about a half-hour several times a week. It seemed like good exercise: while on the machine and for several minutes afterwards, I was breathing heavily and my heart was pounding. But after a few weeks, it got weird: at other times during the day, my heartbeat would rise up for no reason. Eventually I was waking up in the middle of the night with my heart pounding. I eventually put two and two together, and switched from the stair machine to a treadmill. The problem disappeared instantly.

I think I know what was wrong: the position of my legs on the stair machine seemed to block blood flow occasionally through the leg artery, causing a big surge in blood pressure in my chest. Doing this for hours per week messed up my hearbeat. So I urge caution on anyone using a stair machine. Actually, I now do about 2 minutes on a stair machine, immediately followed by treadmill running, and have no problems.

PS: Did see a doctor, got an EKG, it found nothing.

 

[Safeway]

Given that stair machines are commonly used without problems, I doubt that it was the stair machine that caused your heart to stutter occasionally.

 

[DanInPhilly]

Interestingly, I had earlier used a different machine (though not as intensively) at a different gym without problems. So the problems that developed with the second machine were either due to the design of the machine (it felt awkward) or longer workouts.

I don't see any other explanation. As mentioned, when I quit the second machine the problems disappeared; nothing else in my lifestyle changed. And it's true we don't hear similar complaints from other people; but frankly stair machines aren't very popular nowadays, so we're dealing with a rather small sample.

 

[RagingBITCH]

It could just be your body or your posture on the machine. If stair masters were so dangerous, they wouldn't be in any gym and would cease to exist, but that's not happening.

 

[IGBT]

..low potassium?? I used a precore first gen.machine and the bearings and shocks kept blowing out. No doubt they do provide a vigorous workout. Newer machines are better I hear. I now use magnetic rower and bike when I'm not running. I also take a potassium supplement.