Three years ago I did an echo and doctor found that one of my heart valves does not fully close. Since this is not uncommon in healthy people he did not raise any concerns. He encouraged me to continue with the sport, but don’t over-do it (the metric for over-doing it in his words would be >2 marathons a year).
Finished an IM that year and did mostly Oly and/or marathons since. I seem to be getting slightly faster than I was, and yet I feel that compared to the form that I’m in - my running times are on the slow side (44 10k in an olympic, 21:40 standalone 5k, 3:40 marathon).
For the reference I’m 30 YO have been doing sport for 7 years, 8-12 hrs/week on average.
Does a leaky heart valve have a measurable impact on performance? Do any of you know that you have a leaky heart valve, and do you feel that it is holding you back?
Three years ago I did an echo and doctor found that one of my heart valves does not fully close. Since this is not uncommon in healthy people he did not raise any concerns. He encouraged me to continue with the sport, but don’t over-do it (the metric for over-doing it in his words would be >2 marathons a year).
Finished an IM that year and did mostly Oly and/or marathons since. I seem to be getting slightly faster than I was, and yet I feel that compared to the form that I’m in - my running times are on the slow side (44 10k in an olympic, 21:40 standalone 5k, 3:40 marathon).
For the reference I’m 30 YO have been doing sport for 7 years, 8-12 hrs/week on average.
Does a leaky heart valve have a measurable impact on performance? Do any of you know that you have a leaky heart valve, and do you feel that it is holding you back?
not enough info to go on. aortic or mitral? Torbjorn had a bicuspid aortic, which is often the case with young people having issues (that’s is also what I believe Schwartzenegger had). But yes definitely get a cardiologist who is familiar with endurance type sports. Where do you live?
Get it checked out by a good cardiologist. I have a leaky heart valve and had to have surgery at age 21 due to heart enlargement causing my EF to drop below normal. 3 years ago my cardiologist told me I was going to need surgery immediately, I went for a second opinion and have since completed (4) 70.3 and doing my first full next weekend at age 37, while watching my EF rise. Back to your question, I only wish I could blame my slowness on my leaky heart valve. Best of luck to you…
I found out this summer that I also have a leaky valve. The cardiologist is aware that I do tri and said that he just wants to keep an eye on it every 6 months. This is my 3rd yr do tri (I’m now 49). I have been getting faster each year but I would expect that since I still relatively new to the sport. I haven’t had to adjust any of my training because of the condition.
I had a bicuspid aortic valve that was first diagnosed when I was five years old. Other than having regular annual check-ups with a cardiologist I was given no restrictions on my activities while growing up.
I was completely asymptomatic until age 47 when the valve started to calcify and leak more. I developed chronic fatigue, shortness of breath and fluid build up in my lungs.
Had open heart surgery to get a mechanical valve in December 2000. Post-op my cardiologist encouraged me to get as much aerobic exercise as I could handle.
One thing led to another and with my cardiologist’s blessing, I did my first triathlon three years later in February 2004.
My cardiac function is fine and my RHR has dropped from 72bpm to 42bpm over the past ten years.
I’ve had a good outcome but every case is different. Best advice I can offer is to do your research and discuss things with your doctor.
It’s tricuspid valve. Just got checked out for another issue, and Dr said there is a murmur due to this, but was not concerned about it. Also did an EKG which came back fine.
Any recommendations for a GP and a cardiologist who are familiar with endurance sports in Chicago (loop or nearby).
Definately do this with your next visit. I get full testing every year given that I have some family history and a really low EF. Last year I was in the 35% range and there are times I am beyond tired for no reason. I can tell when I need to dial it back as I can’t come anywhere near typical intervals (swim bike and run). Dial the training back and I feel better. Otherwise healthy middle aged male. It does have an impact on performance and acts as a body limiter as well. Get a good doc and stick with him/her.