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Help me find a cardiologist
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Is there a simple way to screen for a cardiologist with experience or at least an understanding of endurance athletes?


Short of it is that I'm 45 and have an inverted T wave and slightly enlarged heart. My cardiologist wants me in every two years for an exam. I'm good with this but last time (two years ago) he had no clue what an Ironman was and seemed dumbfounded when I described it to him. He wasn't too keen on my doing multiple Ironman events per year, but didn't come out and say not to do them. If it helps, I'm close to Sioux Falls.
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Re: Help me find a cardiologist [wjoiner] [ In reply to ]
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wjoiner wrote:
Is there a simple way to screen for a cardiologist with experience or at least an understanding of endurance athletes?


Short of it is that I'm 45 and have an inverted T wave and slightly enlarged heart. My cardiologist wants me in every two years for an exam. I'm good with this but last time (two years ago) he had no clue what an Ironman was and seemed dumbfounded when I described it to him. He wasn't too keen on my doing multiple Ironman events per year, but didn't come out and say not to do them. If it helps, I'm close to Sioux Falls.

Many athletes have a minimally abnormal ekg and an 'enlarged heart'. The appropriate response to endurance exercise is dilation of the heart and an increase in stroke volume and a decrease in heart rate. All normal part of training.

You may want to try to connect with a cardiologist who is part of the ACC Sports and Exercise Cardiology section. I take care of many athletes in my practice who do IM events and other endurance events (ie 100 mile races). Some have significant, but stable cardiac problems.

I suggest you discuss this with your cardiologist and PCP directly. Ask what is your exact 'cardiac condition' and what risks you have in participating in endurance events. They may not keep up the the latest literature as well as someone with an interest in Sports.

GL
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Re: Help me find a cardiologist [wjoiner] [ In reply to ]
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wjoiner wrote:
Is there a simple way to screen for a cardiologist with experience or at least an understanding of endurance athletes?



I would start here:
http://www.sanfordhealth.org/locations/sanford-sports-science-institute


They're attached to Sanford Health which appears to have a cardiology unit.
I would:
1. Ask if conduct Performance tests with EKG - (and ask who reads the EKGs)
2. Ask if there are cardiologists that they recommend.


Try to speak with a physiologist or Sport Science director. The front desk staff may not know how to handle your specific needs.


Beyond that, I cannot vouch for them personally.
The model is just close to what we did at Boulder Center for Sports medicine.

I talk a lot - Give it a listen: http://www.fasttalklabs.com/category/fast-talk
I also give Training Advice via http://www.ForeverEndurance.com

The above poster has eschewed traditional employment and is currently undertaking the ill-conceived task of launching his own hardgoods company. Statements are not made on behalf of nor reflective of anything in any manner... unless they're good, then they count.
http://www.AGNCYINNOVATION.com
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