A big heart - Health + Injury

The Doctor

11/08/2006 at 22:10

I've just been told by the consultant that I have a 12-13% bigger heart than an average 50 year old. (I'm 50 - thought I should make that clear). My measure was 17.5 over 34 as opposed to appx 14 over 34 for an average 50 yr old.

I've had an ecg which I was told was also abnormal but not why it was. I'm having an echocardiogram on Tuesday and being given a 24 HRM to wear.

My resting heart rate is appx 44 but I can still drive my MHR well over 180.

I don't drink, smoke, eat meat but probably do overcompensate for my protein with dairy produce but not excessively. Parents are in the mid 80s and grandparents died in their mid 90s.

I obviosult hoping it's not either diseased from lifestyle or genetics and that it's aerobically induced. Do appx 35-40 running per week plus 50-100 miles a week on the bike.

God willing my heart is not diseased. Even if it's aerobic enlargement is there anyone who can tell me if there are precautions I should be taking as a result of the diagnosis or is it good news all round??

Tiny bit worried

The Doc

Big David

11/08/2006 at 22:54

Interesting!

I think you are right in thinking that it could be simply large because of exercise.

The medical profession often don't take such high levels of exercise into consideration. I was accused of having a low heart rate at 60bpm.

But I feel that it would be good to get the all clear, before redlining it.

Are you well insured?

Plodding Hippo

11/08/2006 at 22:57

ah

will try to find relevant thread for you

are you a serious trainer

Plodding Hippo

11/08/2006 at 22:58

am assuming you arent amedical doc-or you would know where to ask for help

Big David

11/08/2006 at 23:03

Hi hippo

T D you didn't say why you were seeing a consultant.

Plodding Hippo

11/08/2006 at 23:04

hello
david

did you have nice birthday

cougie

pirate

11/08/2006 at 23:08

A doc picked this up on me years back - "left ventricular hypertrophy" he reckoned after a trace and my history of cycling.

If its that (and with your miles - it could well be) then theres nothing to worry about.

Well thats what they told me anyway !

Big David

11/08/2006 at 23:09

It was ok thanks, see the social thread for more details.

I am going to see my mum tomorrow, who knows there may yet be another prezzy?

Plodding Hippo

11/08/2006 at 23:09

have boinged thread
cougie-i dont know if you should werrit or not

Corinthian

11/08/2006 at 23:10

Hiya Hipps (sorry to bushwack your thread doc) Have my Catheter Ab on the 31st of this month...

Have been off work for 5 weeks (leave) and get this, only two episodes in that time both under 5 hrs

Plodding Hippo

11/08/2006 at 23:10

But I know what I would say

The Doctor

12/08/2006 at 11:40

Thanks PH - no not medical doc.

Plodding Hippo

12/08/2006 at 12:25

you found the other thread?

Corith-missed you there
gosh thats quick for the catheter thingie-are you private?

Corinthian

12/08/2006 at 13:36

Sorry, misled you Hippo (i was a little squiffy last night)

Appointment with Cardiologist to discuss Cath/Ab on 31st ... timescale unknown... she suggested last time I saw her that it was a question of When I had it... and not if I had it... she's refering me to a different hospital to one of her chums who will do the opp

Dilt seems to be working at the mo... GP keeps urging me to cut down on my training though

Plodding Hippo

12/08/2006 at 13:40

Is that the GP who thinks you should be folowed by an ambulance on your runs?

Corinthian

12/08/2006 at 13:46

Yep... same one. I've had echo C and 24hr ECG both give my heart the all clear... apart from slight thickening of muscle...
Cardiolist puts that down to athletic heart as I've had normal blood pressure for as long as I can remember.

The Doctor

12/08/2006 at 17:29

Thanks PH - found the thread.

Plodding Hippo

12/08/2006 at 17:30

hope it helps Doctor

bet loads of us on here have got hearts a bit on the big side

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