Cardiomyopathy

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2009-04-03 4:08 PM

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Joliet
Subject: Cardiomyopathy

Does anyone have Cardiomyopathy and done a Sprint or Oly tri?  My Cardiologist has serious reservations about my training and has run some test to see if it is safe for me to do it.  He said NO to begin with. I bargained!

Thanks for any input.

Peace ~ Charliegirl 

 

 

2009-04-04 6:24 AM
in reply to: #2061407

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Kauai, Hawaii
Subject: RE: Cardiomyopathy
I don't have it, but I am a nurse, what is your activity tolerance, do you know what your ejection fraction is?(Ejection fraction is a measurement of the capacity at which your heart is pumping.) Do you have arrythmias? (The heart beat may be too fast or too slow, and may be regular or irregular.) Find out his reasons and do you where heart rate monitor?
2009-04-04 6:53 AM
in reply to: #2061407

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Kauai, Hawaii
Subject: RE: Cardiomyopathy
2009-04-04 4:11 PM
in reply to: #2062190

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Joliet
Subject: RE: Cardiomyopathy

Tritwinmom,

Thanks so much for the response.  My EF has been as low as 33 but normally averages 40-45. I just had a nuclear exercise stress test and it appears (nurse showed me EF after the read - doc hasn't called yet) that it was 52 (How Awesome is that) No arrythmias that we have ever discussed.

My bp/pulse are well controlled on Toprol & Diovan and everything comes back down to normal within 5 or 6 minutes of ceasing exercise. So I am hoping he sees "happy things" on the test results - I just got to see the EF - and that he'll see enough improvement to give the ok - even if I need to train more slowly in prep and have to do my first in 2010.  

Thanks again for the insight ~ Charliegirl



Edited by charliegirl0824 2009-04-04 4:11 PM
2009-07-21 7:13 PM
in reply to: #2061407

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Halifax, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: Cardiomyopathy
Hello charliegirl. I am also a cardiomyopathy patient with an EF that's gone from mid 30's to the high 40's. I do sprint triathlons, though much more slowly than before I started the drug therapy. My cardiologist believes that these drugs will prevent my heart from overloading during exercise and thus the training/triathlons are fine if I do so intelligently.  I know of noone else with DCMP who is as active as I am so it would be great to compare notes if you are interested.

 regards, Blair
2009-07-22 11:15 AM
in reply to: #2062797

Illinois
Subject: RE: Cardiomyopathy
charliegirl0824 - 2009-04-04 4:11 PM

Tritwinmom,

Thanks so much for the response.  My EF has been as low as 33 but normally averages 40-45. I just had a nuclear exercise stress test and it appears (nurse showed me EF after the read - doc hasn't called yet) that it was 52 (How Awesome is that) No arrythmias that we have ever discussed.

My bp/pulse are well controlled on Toprol & Diovan and everything comes back down to normal within 5 or 6 minutes of ceasing exercise. So I am hoping he sees "happy things" on the test results - I just got to see the EF - and that he'll see enough improvement to give the ok - even if I need to train more slowly in prep and have to do my first in 2010.  

Thanks again for the insight ~ Charliegirl



I would also have some serious reservations, but I don't know your whole history.  I did notice you are from Joliet.  One of the only sports medicine cardiologists in the country is a good friend of mine and practices in Chicago.  When we make decisions like this, we use Bethesda guidelines to help in that decision making.  They are not all evidence based guidelines and good sports focused cardiologists should know how to apply these to your situation.  PM me if you want more info.

BB

2009-07-22 11:39 PM
in reply to: #2061407

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Halifax, Nova Scotia
Subject: RE: Cardiomyopathy
The 2009 updated American College of Cardiology guidelines state that although most heart failure patients should not participate in heavy labor or exhaustive sports, physical activity should be encouraged (except during periods of acute exacerbation of the signs and symptoms of HF, or in patients with suspected myocarditis), because restriction of activity promotes physical deconditioning, which may adversely affect clinical status and contribute to the exercise intolerance of patients with HF.

My cardiologist believes that if one exercises intelligently, eg I don't push efforts too hard, that a sprint race is fine. If I'm panting, I'm going too hard. Since 2005 when my drug therapy had  remodeled my heart, my EF and heart dimensions have remained the same (with EF pehaps continuing to improve) while training for and doing sprint triathlons. I am 15-20 minutes slower than I was when my EF was 35 and my heart was moderately to severely enlarged, but I still get to enjoy the camaraderie  of the racers and have an incentive to exercise. These drugs almost demand your body decondition, and that is the kiss of death for heart failure patients; we must do what we can to remain fit.   
2009-07-23 9:35 PM
in reply to: #2061407

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Central New Jersey
Subject: RE: Cardiomyopathy
Not to put a damper on your dreams, but is it worth it? Absolutely have the test done, but I lost a friend earlier this year who was training for IMLP and had undiagnosed cardiomyopathy. I love the sport but the first time my life is on the line (other than dealing with the cars on the road) I would have to seriously ask myself if I need to be doing it.

2009-07-27 8:41 AM
in reply to: #2061407

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Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Cardiomyopathy

My situation is a bit different but might be helpful.  I was born with a leaky bicuspid aortic valve and in my 40's was exhibiting symptoms of CHF (chronic fatique, shortness of breath, etc.).  I kept exercising, finding if I could still push myself through my symptoms.  What I didn't realize was that I was overstressing my heart and was developing left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement of the left ventricle).  Testing also revealed a minor mitral valve leak. 

After heart surgery to replace my aortic valve, my cardiologist encouraged contiunuing aerobic exercise, but with the caviat that I wear a heart rate monitor and avoid any sustained maximum effort exercise, i.e., avoid zones 4 & 5.  Did a bunch of testing to determine my baseline LTHR, VO2 level, etc.

As a weight lifter, he also had me give up heavy weights and lift-to-failure sets.   Moderate weights and high reps instead.

Following the moderate regimen, the enlargment of my left ventricle fortunately reversed itself after about 18-24 months.

I still can enjoy the benefits of exercise, but limiting my HR means that I'm pretty much relegated to the "slow and steady" category for the rest of my life.

I also have increased recovery needs, but think that is much a factor of age as anything else.

Some friends think I am crazy to continue to train the way I do, but to me it is a personal lifestyle choice and I am willing to accept the risks involved.  My bigger risk is probably from having to take Coumadin due to my mechanical aortic valve.

I think the most important thing is to fully understand your condition and the risks associated with physical activity before making any decisions.

Mark

 

 

 

 

    

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