dkrichko
At age 48, after 20 years of competing in triathlons, running and cycling races, I was diagnosed with Atrial Flutter and Atrial Fibrillation. I had some fairly scary episodes on and off the bike for a couple of years prior and no one suspected it was a heart issue causing the problems because I was an avid exerciser and in seemingly perfect health. A trip to the ER finally determine the cause. I think awareness is key and the article brings to light the increasing number of athletes being diagnosed with heart related issues. Not that any of us want to change our ways when it comes to the lifestyle of racing, riding, etc., but at least be educated on the possibility and recognize that you might be at a higher risk than you would think.
From: OBRA [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of johnfforbes@comcast.net via OBRA
Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2015 1:12 PM
To: stevea.long@comcast.net; thomschoenborn@gmail.com; obra@list.obra.org
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] endurance athletes and heart health
I turn 70 in a couple of days resting hr is 43, max 171. Something will kill me, and in the end it's heart failure but I don't expect heart problems will be the main issue.
Just ride your bike and enjoy your life.
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-------- Original Message --------
From: "stevea.long via OBRA" >
Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2015 12:52 PM
To: Thom Schoenborn >,OBRA >
Subject: Re: [OBRA Chat] endurance athletes and heart health
Okay, we have to resort to plausibility to do this association? Really?
In this next statement:
“Younger patients with a lower cumulative dose of exercise have lower AF risk. Older patients with higher dosages of exercise have higher AF risk,” Mandrola said
Could this also not be stated as Old patients have a higher risk of AF than younger patients?
Would that not also be true?
And i see they have an argument for higher and slower heart rates overall. But, doing the math indicates that athletes also have a lower number of heart beats per year/month/day. It's also plausible that an overall number of heart beats would translate into a longer overall life of the heart.
Steve
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-------- Original message --------
From: Thom Schoenborn via OBRA >
Date:07/29/2015 10:27 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: OBRA >
Cc:
Subject: [OBRA Chat] endurance athletes and heart health
If you've had weird flutters in your chest, perhaps you've wondered why. Kinda, sorta, potentially scary stuff for long-time endurance athletes.
http://velonews.competitor.com/cycling-extremes
I'm sure the doctors on the list will have more informed opinions, but having a little education and awareness can't hurt. (You know, unless this article scares you out of living a healthy lifestyle and you die with your hands and face covered in Nutella.)
-Thom