Does anyone have any idea of what medical tests you could get to see if your heart is not strong enough to “race” endurance sports? There have been a few instances of very fit people dieing while racing. I’m sure this is due to a genetic disorder and I’m not implying that triathlon is unhealthy but I have a family history of heart disease and stroke and have some concerns about long-course racing. I’m sure that participating at a moderate level is very healthy but what about pushing yourself to compete or doing long-course stuff vs. olympics or sprints?
If there are any links or articles, that would be great.
to answer your question, go see a cardiologist. Some of us here have done tests, but we are not cardiologists. if concerned, get an appointment and see a specialist, preferably someone who knows sports.
I wonder if there have been any studies done on endurance athletes long-term heart health. I thought I read somewhere about a study done on cyclists but I don’t remember where I read it. I thought the article said something about ultra endurance sports being damaging to the heart over time.
Done right, endurance sports has many more cardio benefits than risks. By right, I mean in moderation.
I had a stress echo cardiogram done back in January because I was having chest pains during hard efforts. In that test, done on a treadmill usually, they image your heart lying down, then put you on the mill, gradually up the speed and incline until you either say “Uncle” or hit your theoretical Max HR, and then quickly image your heart again while it’s going full tilt. The cardiologist wants to see normal chamber and valve function at both resting and high levels of activity.
My thing is probably a condition involving the cartilage connecting the sternum to the ribs. There is no history of heart disease in my family and I’m right in there for LDL/HDL cholesterol.
You should go and talk to your doc about your concerns. There’s lot of background info on the Web. Do a Google.
There is a medical condition referred to as “athlete’s heart” which refers to heart damage done in high intensity athletics. This condition does occur in some former athletes.
Not a cardiologist but I agree with the concept of “moderation” for healthy heart life.
If you have any personal concerns you should make an appointment with a cardiologist, especially since having a family history of heart disease.