Essential Information For Cyclists | How Safe Is Your Heart?

[@peterwray6067]

This is unbelievably timely. I am a 67 yr old 170 lbs 5’8” lifelong cyclist. I average 200 miles a week 20-24 mph. No family history of heart disease. I was treated for Afib two years ago and underwen went a successful ablation. 10 days ago following a morning club ride I collapsed in our coffee shop with n full cardiac arrest apparently due to something I had never heard of before: ventricular fibrillation or Vfib. The two lower chambers of my heart had gotten stuck in an electrical loop and were fluttering instead of pumping. Vfib can quickly be fatal and only in 17% of occurrences outside of health facility survive with no neurological are soft organ damage. In my case two of my mates immediately jumped on me and began vigorous (hard and deep) CPR until the fire department and ambulance could arrive. Still in the coffee shop, they had to shock me twice with a defibrillator to get my heart beating again. Later in the hospital surgeons implanted a defibrillator/pacemaker device to assist me in the future. Before I collapsed I felt no racing or unusual symptoms except before feeling faint and weak ... and then waking up in the ER. Two important and clear lessons: know CPR and act quickly! My brain and my life was saved because my friends acted without hesitation and forcefully kept my heart beating. Seriously - learn CPR!!!

[@eclecticcyclist]

Another lesson from what your weight indicates is that it's time to change your diet, and get a a CAC heart scan.

[@RHP9898]

56 years old, swimming 3kms 3x week and riding or gym 3 times a week, no struggle felt fine. Went to see my doctor because my calves were swollen and found I had a heart beat of 28 bpm! 4 days later I walked out of hospital with a pacemaker. Never saw it coming, I was feeling fine, was fit, no symptoms. Guys, get the tests done, a heart attack or stroke can sneak up and catch you unawares. I'm cycling and swimming again.....

[@eclecticcyclist]

@@RHP9898 As the nutritionists say "you can't excersise your way out of a bad diet"

[@saymyname218]

@@eclecticcyclist "Listen to this guy!"

[@RKov-ng7we]

Peter: - I am totally blown away by your experience. I too have A-Fib. Have already experienced 4 episodes since 2017. Unlike yourself, I weigh 200 lbs, 5’9” & 67 and cycle at least 4 days a week. However, my speed is dramatically slower than yours. Still, that “ablation surgery” was going to be my future way to end further A-Fib episodes.

[@vivoslibertos]

Cycling is never good for your heart. You could get heart attack just from the bike parts prices alone.

[@phasedinduction6956]

Rekt

[@jfcash84]

Ain’t this the truth!

[@saurabhbawawohnhaftinnerem4429]

U

[@RayReynoldsTalentLLC]

So should I bike or not?

[@sharpgirlsSerious]

F u n n y. ! 😂

[@TheCyclingCardio]

I’m a cardiologist, and I like this video very much...give a lot of insight, and triggers discussion and further learning..thank you very much GCN

[@gcn]

Thanks Aron, great to have your approval!

[@Onealmightypod]

Dare I ask for your opinion around sugar and cardiac inflammation? Do you eat products that you do not recognise the constitution of?

[@TheCyclingCardio]

As far as I know, food with added sugar is best avoided for Cardiovascular and energy metabolic reason...but may not directly associated with inflammation... And it is best to know what’s in your food, so processed meat like sausage, meatballs, nuggets, with no guaranteed consist of natural ingredients are best avoided.. Though it’s all about self discipline, in reality I still consume those products once in a while for recreational purpose...life and work happens, we don’t always have access to good quality food..

[@RACING5312001]

I got diagnosed with HCM over 5 years ago now with a septum of about 3.0cm. AM 50 years old used to race a lot but now packed that it but i'm itching to return again to do a few time trials. Don't have any symptoms. Thought I had Asthma five years ago but I believe it was the HCM now causing me wheezing and shortness of breath

[@travels129]

Aron Husink riding a bicycle is healthy for heart

[@ClubmanGT1971]

As a 50 year old doctor, runner and cyclist I can certainly say this video is brilliant. Terribly important advice about being assessed and especially warning signs when exercising. Very well presented, thanks Si.

[@ellmer1fudd]

Bloody hell guys, how do you keep the quality of every video you turn out so good?! Excellent subject, brilliantly presented. Anybody else look forward to logging onto KZbin everyday just to see the latest GCN video?!

[@faisalalsaiful3838]

me actually!☺

[@gcn]

Thanks ellmer, that's very kind

[@douglaspate9314]

Totally agree. The quality of video and subject quality of content of video is well impressive!!

[@robbchastain3036]

I regularly enjoy the content of several cycling channels and I put the blame on GCN. It's all their fault. And I am thankful to be a member of this worldwide cycling tribe. And GCN will forever be the Mothership. And in the accent of Peter by Ollie, I would say, "For me, it is healthy addiction."

[@m6johnson]

They've been knocking it out of the park lately. This one is just another in a recent string of great videos. Keep it up, GCN.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

As a massive heart-attack survivor and former hard-core martial artist and recreational cyclist - I found your video (and all your videos) to be extremely informative! Thank you for sharing!

[@maxmuenchow]

Way to go GCN. Every health related video of yours is a true blessing. Raising awareness is more effecitve than any form of treatment.

[@jeffk464]

Yup, outstanding episode.

[@adityaiyer7600]

True that

[@batterybuilding]

​@Savage Poet Let me give you a hand reading between the lines: prevention is easier than a cure. Its easier to maintain something than repair. If someone chooses not to do the really harmful drugs, that is a much easier path than rehab. See, not so hard, eh?

[@bobmajew53]

I have to agree with you and that's why Juice machines come before new Cranks.

[@Werkaholik261]

Agreed. Take it slow and pace yourself. You actually improve over time. I'm 58 years old and have a heart of an athelete....words from my doctor. 🚲🚲💪😎 Ride smart, not hard.

[@Solarsystem50]

This is one of the most interesting shows you guys have done. Every cyclist have asked themselves the same questions after a 4 hour cardio session. More of this type of content. please!

[@ralphblundell106]

Brilliant/evil edit at 7.30 “ the typical mamil” and cut to a sweating Dan on the turbo.

[@douglaspate9314]

Yup! Saw that!!

[@Kayork]

I'm two months into cycling and GCN has been the best resource for both skills learning and becoming informed with the health risks due to the sport. Thank you, you're all doing great work, and the production is quality!

[@garychaundy146]

"Older riders returning to sport", cut to shot of Dan Lloyd. Ouch!

[@HazMatt1014]

This video was a long time coming, and super important. Shows how versatile you guys are with what you're doing over there. Thanks for this video, and all the others, where you cover both the fun and the serious side of life on 2 wheels.

[@gcn]

Thanks HazMatt!

[@wickrider]

I started the video and stoped to pause at 1:08 to write this comment.- Thanks for there amazing videos. You cannot beleive how much I recognize myself in the first couple of sentences from Si's intro and how much the subject speaks to me. THis sunday after 2 days of hard ridding. This decribes exactly how i feel now coming up to 45 in a month or so. I feel strong and spend hours and hours pushing on bikes every week butI feel heart flutters. Never any pain or lack of energy but I am concerns about it. In brief, I will continue to watch the video, and will act accordingly. Thanks again guys for touching such an amazing span of different subjects. You guys are cycling and you do an amazing job. It is so much appreciated. Cheers,

[@2bradfoster]

I'm 52 years old and have been riding seriously for 20 years. During this time I've had several occurrences of arrhythmia (not usually while riding), which require electrical cardio-version to convert the heart back into normal sinus rhythm. When I turned 48 I decided to dial back the more intense training and long hauls as a common sense move. I recently had an ablation, which should reduce the frequency of arrhythmia. Today I still get on the bike, but my goal is to avoid pain and suffering and just enjoy!

[@KimWentworth-y8e]

How did the ablation work. Mine got ride of my AFIB episodes.

[@dblevins343]

This video honestly gave me some peace of mind as a 25 year old. I've recently picked up biking a lot more. Ive mountain biked for years just for fun but now Im actively trying to get healthier, lose weight, and participate in more endurance sports. Ive spent a decent amount of time trying to learn what my HR Zones are and was worried I was overdoing things. Thanks to all of the videos found here on GCN, GTN, other videos, and my studies (dental student) Im confident what Im doing is safe now. Despite being 25, my max HR is around 204. Of course, when I stop at that pace Im gased but that makes sense. This max HR of 204 also co8ncides with the HR I've felt like matches my endurance pace (Zone 2) 155-165 ish. Thanks to your videos (and other) I am much more confident and excited to hop on both my road and MTB.

[@Buckarooskiczek]

I experienced A-fib for the first time ever, almost exactly a year ago. I was 66 and was getting back into shape after a three year lapse. The EKG and Cardiology exams all indicated normal heart functions. What I did differently was, a high-caffeine supplement...I mean, this stuff gave me a zip in the afternoons at work and then, after work three-four days a week I’d be pushing my heart rate to 150-160 or so at intervals. This lasted about a month and one day I woke up feeling like shit and my Apple Watch was telling me I may have had an A-fib. The doc confirmed it and I got my self a jolt at the ER that put everything back to normal, instantly. (Weird experience!) After all the tests, we pretty much determined it was the supplement. Still biking and running but not pushing it to the max for any extended time. Coming to terms with age is the next challenge... Just want add a big thanks for this video. Earned a sub from me and maybe will save somebody’s life...you never know.

[@estascosasraras]

Buckarooskiczek Productions Yep, I cant do energy drinks sometimes they drive my system crazy. Not worth it.

[@alandolezalek9088]

Lifelong recreational cyclist. Used to ride about 8,000 km a year. One or two thousand km a year somewhere in Europe. Had a lower range (55) BPM. 5 years ago noticed increase in resting BPM (80-85). Was diagnosed with AF (Atrial Fibrilation). Currently on anti-coagulant, rythm control drug. Still riding at a slower pace, shorter distances. Feeling much the same, 70 year old, enjoying other sports as well, swimming, walking, snowshoeing. You can live quite OK with AF, just don't push it and be aware. Happy and safe riding to all in 2021!

[@KimWentworth-y8e]

You can get an Ablation and feel much better.

[@Gamingoodz]

Great video. I recently got into mountain biking last year to work on getting healthy as my health was in very poor shape. I work in IT and lived a completely sedimentary lifestyle with no exercise. I had to take it easy at first on the bike because just riding on paved flat walking trails my heart rate would be very high and my blood pressure also very high. I kept riding and started riding with a group who ride at too fast a pace (even tho it's supposed to be a casual ride) and I was really pushing myself and my heart very hard to try and keep up at all. I was averaging 174 bpm for 2-3 hour rides and hitting my max heart rate a lot. I was always scared of having a heart attack doing that. Since I have slowed things down a bit and ride more within what I think is a safer heart rate and try to stay under 175 and not hit max HR anymore because I recently have had 2 episodes of strong heart palpitations. They were not while exercising or riding though which is strange and the last one was so strong I called the ambulance. I feel fine while riding and exercising but after that I am really scared to let my HR get high at all. I want to get one of those echocardiogram tests done and make sure my heart is functioning normally. I have a big fear of dying from a heart attack or something with my heart, you hear those scary stories of healthy people dying suddenly from a heart issue and I'm still not healthy at all yet so I really am scared of it. I think it's important for athletes and anyone doing exercise like biking to get their heart checked out, it's not a part of your body that should be ignored even though many do so. I can't wait for my insurance to kick in from my new employer so I can get a heart checkup.

[@stevencoates2703]

Gamingoodz “sedimentary lifestyle” - love it 😊. Maybe you’re a bottom feeder?..

[@rwwawee]

This was a good video with great advice. I had Afib. The workaround was an ablation and a pacemaker. My cardiologist told me that cycling is one of the healthiest exercises I can do at age 68. After years of not being on a bike, I'm slowly regaining my legs. While riding, I try to stay within my endurance zone. The last 6 months back on the bike have been fantastic! I have learned a lot about my body during this time. When I was younger, I cycled a lot at full speed. Now, I'm enjoying my rides, the exercise, and am getting fit again! Getting regular checkups by a cardiologist is a must for me.

[@KimWentworth-y8e]

Why a pacemaker.

[@aaronwalker2246]

I am a keen cyclist, and have clocked up over 40,000 Strava miles in about 8 years. However last June I experienced a racing heart while sitting at my desk in the office. In A&E is was measured at 217 bpm. Diagnosis was Atrial fibrillation which is mentioned in this video. I take a daily beta blocker, and thankfully the heart rate has settled down. My cardiologist's advice was to keep cycling as my heart is structurally good, but to listen to my body and rest when I have to. I try not to exceed 170bpm when pushing on in club rides as I'm nearly 52. I hope to get those all time Strava miles to 100,000 before I'm 60 🙏 😄

[@gcn]

Take care!

[@Tj-km7ps]

Do you eat animal products?

[@gerardnc]

As a middle aged man with a family history of heart disease, I eased my way back into cycling. I started on flats and gradually increased my pace and distance, then started adding climbs. A year and half later, and I'm now pushing myself on climbs. All this done while taking a statin to keep my cholesterol lower than the average, due to my genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease. Now, I'm fitter, stronger and more energetic than many friends 10 years younger than me. Cycling = a healthy life.

[@tonykelpie]

Statins definitely helpful

[@highwayoflife3987]

Lovely.....happy to hear ur experience s about cycling

[@a3300000]

@@tonykelpieumm, no.

[@tonykelpie]

@@a3300000 how do you know what has or has not helped me?

[@crbondur]

Great video. As an "Older" (almost 50) cyclist, runner and triathlete with a mitral valve prolapse, it's cool to see such good coverage of just how exercise and heart health work for AND against each other. Keep up the great work!

[@noahwilson625]

I have been riding for a few years, however this year I started getting a racing heart beat after exercising and have had these tests done to me. This was very interesting and has really helped me. Thankfully all my tests came back fine and I’m alright now

[@BenRichards167]

I had a stent in my LAD when I was 34 due to a 100% blockage and diagnosed with heart disease. im pretty sure it was the cycling that I took up 5 years earlier that’s prevented me from having a heart attack and not being here today. Firstly as I noticed the issue only whilst on my bike. Secondly because my heart was strong enough to create collateral arteries around the blockage which I attribute to age and cycling Listen to your body and see a doctor if anything is out of the ordinary

[@SirJerson]

A guy I knew 20 years ago had both parents go through a triple bypass in their 60s. He said he would criticise them saying it was because they were over weight, they needed to exercise and eat right. He didn’t want to end up like his parents so he ate right and would run 15k every morning, he didn’t have an ounce of excess fat. In his late 30s he said he started to notice his time increase for the morning 15k run which he put down to age but then in his early 40s what started to concern him was it started to feel like he required a lot more effort. Given his family history as a precaution he went to have a checkup and it was discovered he had blockages 95%, 80%, 45% and 10%, he had to have a triple bypass. He could only laugh at the situation and said he did everything right compared to his parents but in his words “I beat them by 20 years”.

[@grantnixon9818]

Perhaps the most informative GCN video I’ve seen. Please provide more like these.

[@donross7820]

I am a 77 year old retired ER physician and I am a rabid advocate of the health benefits of cycling. It truly works miracles and as an example I can still do a 4:16 on the USAA Cycling 5 minute TT (a 4% average upgrade at 6300 foot elevation in Colorado Springs). I weigh low 170 pounds. I can't believe how good I still feel thanks to cycling BUT one area doctors never discuss (and this is huge) is alcohol and the heart. Alcohol is a potent cardiomyotoxin (meaning it is toxic to the heart muscle and causes heart muscle inflammation) but this is dose related. When I was in training I had a 23 year old die from his excessive alcohol intake causing congestive heart failure. In the ER I would see young people come in with an arrhythmia over the holidays due to excessive alcohol (thus the title "Holiday Heart"). As one gets older the risk of Atrial Fibrillation goes up logarithmically and AF can be exercise induced. AF causation is multifactorial and these precipitators make it much more likely during a ride: dehydration, low potassium, hypothermia (even drinking a smoothie can bring it on!), lack of sleep, too much caffeine, thyroid excess, and others. But no one ever seems to bring up the subject of excessive alcohol prior and the risk of AF. I love a nice red wine and this leaves me conflicted but I have found that half a bottle 2-3 days a week seems to not precipitate AF so one does not need to totally do without. My take home message to all us geriatric cycling advocates is keep all those precipitators to a minimum including alcohol and you can continue to partake of the Fountain of Youth and not need what most doctors would recommend: blood thinners or cardiac ablation! Also, watch your heart monitor (Garmin or whatever) like a hawk and when your rate starts getting in the upper ranges just back off to keep it out of trouble. Very high rate from exertion can bring on AF.

[@KimWentworth-y8e]

How high of a heart rate. 85 percent of your max, 90 percent of your max or 100 percent of your max.

[@KimWentworth-y8e]

I got an ablation because I need to go above 60 to 70 percent of my max heart rate. I do not drink at all.

[@KimWentworth-y8e]

Also, was not fun having to tip-toe around my heart making sure I kept the heart rate down. Had to walk up stair slowly, ride my bike very slowly. No hills. No running. Had to move slow. This was total BS and I got the ablation so that I can move faster and be able to workout normal and ride my bike normal. I just will not race flat out at 100 percent like I used to. But I still want to do some hills and race some.

[@CenaSitnica]

Thank you for making this video :) This comes from someone who's father and grandfather had a heart attack before the age of 45.

[@gcn]

Sorry to hear that, take care of yourself.

[@eclecticcyclist]

Then you need to watch this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4vSgpx6lryhq6c

[@Blakehx]

Thanks for the good info! My Dad exercised often (mostly weight training) and appeared to be in excellent shape. He ignored the warning signs of his most important muscle and died in his sleep of a massive heart attack at age 56. No amount of any exercise can make up for a terrible diet which is why he had nearly 90% blockages around his heart!

[@ladytradiej8027]

😪

[@burple65]

Good for cyclists of all ages to be aware of some of the potential issues. I've been cycling since the early 1980's and always took it for granted that I could push my heart as hard as I wanted with no adverse effects. At 61 years old the main thing I've noticed is that my maximum HR has decreased, as expected, with age. However this year I developed some symptoms that took me to the ER and I followed up with a Cardiologist. Have been diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation. Fortunately it's only hit me a few times and then after pushing myself real hard. So far, I can still manage to ride with moderate to hard efforts, but now I know I have a limit that I have to keep an eye on.

[@mayalman]

GCN is a byword for quality cycling content.

[@deanmason5478]

As a survivor of a massive 100% left descending artery HA during a 3 day stage race and literally called Dead by 2 nurses before the ADE showed up, and now going on to my 13th year of cycling on 70% of heart function due to lack of flow of blood, I really appreciate this video done GCN and cyclists like Si...It’s re affirming to me that I’m still doing the right thing by pedaling Down the Road of Life, albeit with the my doctors care and a nice supply of medications.

[@FranciscoElNeneGalan]

Why do you bicycle?..

[@trimanz]

Well done GCN. I am one of the many who has had Atrial Fibrillation as a long term endurance athlete, I have learned to manage my risk factors and have remained medication free and continue to run marathons, cycle race and ride charity events over 250km frequently without AF incidents. 👍

[@MrAndrewjdavis]

Hi Trimanz, I had AFib and Cardioversion recently. I am 52 and was formerly a 2nd cat bike racer so doing extreme intervals to get in shape. The persistent AFib started 2 years after I finished racing, while I was doing ~200km a week including some mock racing on the clubruns but no extreme intervals. It was triggered by an extreme effort on a hill chasing some clubmates knocked me out of sinus rhythm. The cardioversion fixed it instantly but I am nervous about it reoccuring . I have switched to running for this year because the intensity is much more stable (bike riding always seems to involve some crazy efforts). Any advice on being careful as I build up to a marathon in 2023? P.S. The cardiologist was pretty chilled - "as long as you feel OK, exercise is good" which was a bit non-specific.

[@joringauci4036]

The answer that i was waiting for is that hospitals are not filled with athlete 's but they are filled with smokers and obese. Good video #GCN

[@ghenulo]

How about we obese people who bicycle? Actually, I'm no longer obese, because I dieted (down from 273 lbs to 178; bicycling alone didn't do diddly squat to help me lose weight), hoping that my rear wheel's axle wouldn't break so often, but if I hadn't, I'd still be obese.

[@ian3893]

Try telling that to smokers,typical response being “I’ve smoked for 40 years and I’m healthy” 😂

[@rei9269]

Ian he’s pretty much dead inside

[@dushk0]

most likely they died before an ambulance arrived or a friend cranked up the car, gone in 60 seconds - could it be the reason you don't see them in hospitals?

[@jeanmartin963]

regular activity is good for your health, pushing your body to the limits is not. A former ironman racer will not state the obvious.

[@wozzatech]

I’m a cardiac physiologist and at the start of my career I worked with Graham Stuart a long time ago back in the nineties in Cardiff, nice guy, good to see him looking and doing so well.

[@shaynepreer5447]

hey Guys, This video was very confronting for me to watch. In saying that, I am glad you have put it out there so the average person understands they should be get themselves checked before they get too deep into training. I am a cyclist(road and mtb, sorry guys) and have been for long time(45 years), have always played sport, always been fit. I am still fit ish at 55. The reason it is tough to watch is that about 7 years ago I died from these issues you have been discussing. For 30min the big guys couldn't decide whether I should go up or down, so they sent me back. I now have an implanted de-fib device. I am still riding and participating in organised rides, I don't take my heart rate past 150-160 bpm at any time. my first ride back was the Cape To Cape in Western Australia, 4 day mtb stage race ended up 600+ out of 1300 participants. I finished then sat under tree and cried for about 10 min with all my mates around me. I am the slowest up hills on my roadie but nearly always catch and pass the group going down. My take away for everyone is keep going don't stop, just be smarter about it...… oh and learn CPR..!!

[@douglasburnside]

"...(road and mtb, sorry guys)..." That's OK if you follow the rules. If you encounter a mountain biker, 1) Stay calm 2) Avoid eye contact 3) Don't make any sudden moves As long as you follow these guidelines, you will _probably_ be OK.

[@IANN10]

Great video and as always very well delivered facts. Speaking as someone who discovered a lazy mitral valve in my heart, trying to keep up with my son up the Sussex hills. I thought I had mild indigestion, If in doubt check it out. Now I wear a wrist heart monitor and run/bike keeping an eye on HR.

[@crusherbmx]

I had some seriously blocked arteries for a couple years, no matter how much I rode I wasn't making any progress, going backwards actually. Some days I'd have to quit after 2 blocks, some days I'd go 30km but it felt like 200, Had a bypass in Nov. 2020 and now I can actually make progress, 30 km is now a short cruise, I love it.

[@zaheeressop8270]

Having a doctor who is an athlete explain complex grey areas in our sport is excellent. Well presented and articulate as always. In South Africa we have had an athlete demise at the last ironman with an existing cardiac condition.

[@markfelstead2507]

Dear GCN ! Somehow i missed this when is was First Publisher. I too have a pretty unique Story as although i was an AGe Grouper Triathlete and ex competitive cyclist, During a local duathlon i collapsed 200 Meters from the finish With sudden cardiac Arrest. I was saved By two fellow competitors who happened to be also Doctors ! Since Then i have teamed up with experts similar to Dr Stuart and Formed a Self help group to help Others recognise the early Signs of Heart disease Called We Love Our Heart especially for MAMILS and Otter outwardly fit Athletes with no Symptoms. Great Video Simon!

[@freewheels7544]

Well .... i will die doing what i like...

[@jseski9209]

Simply BRILLIANT. And thank you; I don't know if this was created in response to my request on the subject OR if you maybe didn't even see the request & this was already on the docket - but my sincerest appreciation. You did a fantastic job of answering some broad-ranging questions & delving deeper than the default ("here's your max heart rate".. great what does that mean exactly?!?!?) discussions. Outstanding. again, thanks GCN!!

[@kevinbowe]

I love this video! I have been cycling for almost 3 years. I will turn 62 in August. It's a crazy coincidence that I just had a cardiac stress test about 2 weeks ago! Your video was super helpful in understand my results. By the way, the cardioligist gave me a 'thumbs up' to continue training for my first 100 mile ride this year! Thank you for producing these videos. Cheers from a heart healthy "Silver Syclist".

[@alanclark2433]

Great video....I have a heart condition (HCM - Hypertrophic Cardiac Myopathy) I need to watch my heart rate when out on a ride. I’m also quite heavy at 97kg so when out friends, they need to wait at the top of the hill for me. BUT they do, I’m out there and with the knowledge you can still enjoy the bike and the ride!

[@lifelong5425]

Bravo...this was one the best, and valuable videos i've seen. Following the Clint Eastwood words..."a mans got to know his limitations"...yet on we fly, push harder, and not deal with our limits. To do is always good....to OVER do is the danger, and accepting that. 65 now, not a cyclist body, but get the miles in...I had to walk 3 ugly grades on one ride earlier this year....upset, ego...all that male thing came at me...then, I said, even with that need to walk a bit...I still did finish a hard 35 mile ride. Lesson learned for me was to enjoy the ride, and if I don't make any one or other hill is not the end of it. Rather be up on the bike, than down with the daisies. Thanks for this reminder to us all.

[@jkolner]

One of the best videos from GCN.

[@nstrug]

Thanks for this. We had a club member suffer a heart attack on a club ride a year ago this week. He had done the ride absolutely fine and was just cruising back to the meeting point chatting when he collapsed - it was so sudden that we thought he had simply hit the curb, fallen and knocked himself unconscious. He left behind a wife and two teenage children - it was absolutely devastating.

[@Windband1]

So sorry mate.

[@kevinpunter7960]

Thinking more on this .. wouldn't it be great to see a GCN "Am I bike fit?" flyer and resource link everywhere you could buy a bike!!

[@andreaforcella1094]

Great video GCN !! I'm a 45 years old MAMIL that started biking 10 years ago after dropping running and gym. To all my same age pals : take it easy guys,we don't have to prove anything and we must accept the fact that our best fitness years are behind us. Relax,watch your food intake, spin easy and enjoy the ride.

[@alancragg6183]

Funnily enough I passed out after exercise, thought it was vasovagal syncope, turned out I needed a pacemaker.

[@kuriosoranj1]

I was diagnosed with heart failure just last week - my ECG, pulse, blood tests all clear! I am a relatively fit 55 year old who has exercised throughout my life (running up to marathon distance and cycling - leisure and sportive). I felt slightly unwell with some breathlessness - echo cardiograph found the issue. Issue believed to be genetic as father and older brother both suffered/suffer from same. Don’t mess around, get yourselves checked thoroughly if you are unsure 👍. Back to baby steps and trundling on the turbo to regain my fitness! Great video as always GCN.

[@xraydoc22]

Si, really well done. Thank you for addressing this important topic. Hats off to GCN once again!

[@kevinpunter7960]

Brilliant video guys .. this stuff is GOLD. Clear message to us older cyclists (or would be older cyclists) .. ramp up slowly and listen to your body, aside from the mentioned checkups and tests that can/should be performed.

[@gcn]

Thanks Kevin, glad you appreciated it.

[@mlegrand]

Great video. I’ve been freaked out about this subject matter for a while now. Great interview with the sports cardiologist! 👍

[@rickyricardo9918]

I'm still a little freaked b/c that enzyme mentioned at 4:12 - the cause of Si's gasp, Troponin is normally associated with dying heart tissue & turned up in me after a fairly strenuous training run. Turns out studies show a minority of participants completing a marathon will have elevated Troponin. Hopefully that's all it was but a doctor consulting with a cardiologist didn't know about the athletic exception so an ambulance was summoned to take me to the ER, (I refused & had my wife drive me) where the second doctor did an ECG, left the room, returned with a a couple printed pages citing Troponin presence in runners & cyclists then sent me home.

[@EolasColas]

Another example of gcn with its finger on the pulse, marching to a different beat, pumping quality information into our lives⚡♥️

[@eduardovargas7098]

Very useful video!! Thank you for share us this very important information. I’m going to take care about my heart (I’m 45 ) Regards from Mexico

[@snappymike4662]

Take this excellant advice on board guys and listen to your body. I gave up cycling when I retired ten years ago. I had been doing a ten mile each way to and from work and then hung up my bikes. Three years ago I developed chest pains that lasted just a few minutes, Angina. In 2017 I had a byepass, no stents and I feel fit and well now, no pain. 2020 and we are in a lock down situation and need to exercise, I am out out on the road again not as fast as before ( I dot know how to ride slow ) but getting fit again. Thanks GCN for the video, please listen to your body.

[@maryjames8145]

I’m an avid cyclist and have an Atrial fibrillation. I have a pacemaker and I continue to pursue my passion for cycling.

[@jklash1987]

Many hours of internet, the one part of my body I take for granted certainly isn't my heart...

[@jdb2727]

Well done. Very well done. This should play on a loop in every bike shop on the planet. It is important information that is not easily accessible in a format like this.

[@lancebuck4038]

Good work. A client and amateur cyclist drop dead during a ride. Very disconcerting. Appreciate research.

[@mrbob92679]

I rode for years. Use to do 200 miles a week. Benn off the bike for 5 years. Last year because of my jeans I had a mild heart attack. Had a stint put in. Now I know where I’m at. Use run a 185 - 190 heart rate climbing hills in my 50’s. Now in my 60’s going to have to take it easy but I still want try some nice hills on kickr core.

[@Mrmarginofsafety]

What is AFIB like: It begins with abnormal spikes in your HR profile or comes on all at once after an endurance race like an alien in your chest fighting to get out. You go to hospital where you get a cardio version (paddle shocks) to return to rythm which almost never work long term. Next step is finding a good electrophysiologist, you will immediately go on blood thinners for a month to prevent a clot and potential stroke and wear a Zio Patch (portable ecg) to confirm what type of AFIB you have. Next will be an ablation where after mapping you go under general anesthesia, a catheter with a burning probe is threaded up your main leg artery into your heart, they will induce AFIB and burn the problem areas severing the electrical malfunction. However it's rarely one and done since the burning process swells the heart interior masking all the problem areas and you will probably return for a second ablation after a few years. Or you may just get lucky and it goes away the first time with rest.

[@SubaruProduction]

my heart rate raised just by watching this

[@andrewgay7137]

100%

[@danpatb]

As a 67 y/o endurance addict with family history of heart/arterial issues, want to thank you for putting out an important message. I was 1st a runner who sampled the dark side (Triathlon) and learned to love biking. (the whole swim thing reminds me of the Kevin Bacon scene from Animal House "Thank you sir, may I have another?".) I was diagnosed arterial disease requiring medication over 20 years ago. With diet and medication, in that time have completed 30 marathons and many tris - including 3 full IMs. Symptoms for sudden Cardiac arrest can be detected and steps taken to mitigate. (Yeah - I'm a lawyer and use word like mitigate) Hope viewers heed the info . My only criticism is that you referred to Dr. Stuart as a "former" Ironman. No - Once you've crossed that line - You Are an Ironman!

[@petef15]

Ah good to know. Exercise is still good for us.

[@ragzard]

I had heart issues as a kid and, although last check ups said it was all fine, I'm always concern about my hear coping with cycling. Thanks a lot for this excellent video. GCN, as always, doing the best talking to experts and presenting information in a way most people can understand!

[@danielellis2874]

Great video, probably one that couldn't have come soon enough to be honest

[@glennet9613]

I’m late to the party but thanks for this. I am older, 76, and had a routine ECG about four years ago and another a few weeks ago (both because I moved to a new area and a new doctor). The difference was in the right ventricle. I have been worried about it but this suggests it may be because of the change in the amount of cycling I was doing.

[@davidcoomber4050]

Something else to worry about ☹️

[@wakeawaken430]

A very informative video, perfect for me that i am 44 and started again to cycle (track single speed bike on road)after so many years The first days my heart was exploding, now i am better

[@restlesssoulme]

Great informative video, I am 39 cycling every day minimum 10 km almost every day for last 2 months, , recently gave up smoking after 15 years of heavy smoking and bad food habits , so far no heart issue, but definitely getting it checked after watching this

[@tmitchellis]

Thanks from a 65-year old cyclist who recently developed exercise-associated atrial fibrillation. Learned more from this video than my weeklong review of the literature on the topic.

[@hayabusa27]

Wow GCN this is Next Level Category stuff great video very imformative!

[@gregripp]

Thank you for this video on a very important topic. I had a mild MI in '08 (53 yrs) and have a stent in my RCA. I love to ride, but I also lift weights, walk, play ping pong (keeps ya sharp) and try to not sit for long periods. I tried two sprint triathlons, one before and one after the MI, but swimming and running just aren't as enjoyable for me as cycling. It's about moving in a variety of different ways I think, along with eating and sleeping well and all the other healthy habits. I highly recommend strength training for everyone. I do worry when the next MI will happen, but riding on the streets may be as risky as heart disease it seems. Since cycling is relatively new to the species I wonder about the long term effect of a pint or two after a ride. I never did drink much, but I notice many cyclist drink a bit after a ride. Since stimulant use was cautioned what about exercise and other commonly used substances? All the best to the riders out there. Hope to meet you one day.

[@jasonjeffery-endurance6071]

There's no such thing as a former Ironman. From the moment you complete one, your always be one. 😉

[@hailbaphomet]

@John Who are you talking about?

[@Wargwarn]

You'll not your ffs

[@emmanueleng1160]

Few hours of pain, bragging rights for life!

[@bhov2493]

Sounds what like a former Ironman would say

[@synthmesc]

@@bhov2493 🤣

[@zsnow39]

Brilliant work again by Si and this topic is something all endurance athletes should be aware of! May is Exercise Awareness month in the US and while most Americans lack exercise this is a great contrast for those who exercise a lot. Kudos!

[@jonkelley7713]

In my teens, Greg Lemond was my champ. I was 6’3” 180lbs. Tree trunk legs and resting heart rate 32bmp. I had a huge heart and now see how having that soccer/cycling life in my youth gave me unknowingly health above the rest. Death to current obesity.

[@spaceburge]

"...for older cyclists" cue Dan Lloyd

[@adventureadventure8796]

I noticed that as well. Wonder what Dan thinks of that cut? Probably a little banter between the presenters.

[@robbchastain3036]

It would be cool if GCN added a genuinely older presenter, a rider who's been out there for decades upon decades and is still out there. And who is maybe a little cranky about anything other than steel. And rim brakes. That'd be great.

[@gcn]

That would be great... 😂

[@benstanden8784]

Thanks for the great video GCN! I first properly got into cycling a few years ago whilst recovering from open heart surgery to correct an Atrial Septal Defect (hole in the heart). I was lucky enough to find out in my late teens and I only found out due to having a very extensive aviation medical. Many people, particularly fitter, younger people, don't give a second thought to the health of their heart so it's great to see awareness being raised. I think the only thing this video missed is a massive thanks to the cardiologists at Spire Hospital and University Hospitals Bristol for their amazing work. Within six weeks of myself being discharged from the Bristol Heart Institute, I was back on my bike and cycled up Cheddar Gorge (slowly)!

[@Sator810]

I have arrhythmia, but after changing out gaming with cycling a few years ago I am now symptom free. And considering the arrhythmia was a trigger for panic anxiety its a double win for me.

[@Tj-km7ps]

Good job

[@jackdamico7511]

I lucked out recently. After a recent physical, I mentioned to my doctor that I felt some pressure in my chest during recent training rides. She immediately referred me to a cardiologist. It took a cardiac catheterization test to reveal three massive blockages to my heart. I was in shock because I’ve been in good to great shape my whole life. Family genetics finally dealt me a bad hand. I was told by the heart surgeon that because of my training, the capillaries bypassed the blockages and some how I was able to avoid that ambulance ride. Lessons learned: Don’t take things for granted..make sure you have good medical insurance…know your family medical history…see your doctor on a regular basis and be honest about your health.

[@marknorris1381]

Did they stent the blockages?

[@jackdamico7511]

No, after the third cardiac exam I was told the “widow maker” was 95% blocked and had open heart, triple bypass surgery

[@cratecruncher6687]

Excellent video on a subject I've been contemplating recently upon returning to vigorous cycling after a 20 year hiatus. I'm 57 and I've been careful in ramping my schedule but frankly I'm progressing much faster than I'd predicted. This encouragement has led to a rather dangerous urge to push myself harder than I should and I realize I need to get checked out. Thank you!

[@m6johnson]

Well done, GCN. I started back riding 2 years ago and now at 60, I'm thinking about heart issues as well. This video answers a lot of questions and puts me more at ease with my concerns. Timely and well done. Thanks much to Si and the whole GCN crew.

[@mtnbikehead]

Before even seeing a good Dr about starting an Cycling exercise program, fixing your diet is a better place to start. Exercise cannot fix a bad diet.

[@wanderingbox7971]

very true...start a Whole plant based diet today...👌

[@mtnbikehead]

david Box good luck man!! I am not against plant based; but I am too damned lazy to be shopping for so many different vegetables that I would have to learn to cook. Steaks, burgers, eggs, are all easy and tasty.

[@peterscuba]

But you can stuff your face if you exercise a lot

[@Ungarheuer]

Rockhead Gary loool Talks about diet but eats burgers... you a clown?

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

@@wanderingbox7971 Plant based diets are very taxing on the arteries. High glucose levels after meals, necessary in fat-free diets and common to most plant-based diets, cause all manner of endothelial dysfunction. The truth is, you can beat your family history - but the only thing you'll beat on a high carb diet is your dad to the grave. Monounsaturated and saturated fats are fuels with a long fuse that will keep you on the road and keep your arteries whistle-clean, but for all the Diesel smoke you're huffing as a cyclist.

[@Ouray4570]

I very much enjoy GCN's health-related pieces (and everything else), and this one was simply outstanding. You guys are wonderful!!

[@soloist777]

Yes! I have developed ARVC after decades of hardcore endurance exercise including 10years of IM training. I suffered a cardiac arrest while surfing and died from drowning. Fortunately for me there was an off duty paramedic surfing down the beach and he resuscitated me on the beach. I now have a defibrillator implant. Miraculously for me I didn't suffer from any brain damage after having no detectable pulse for several minutes.

[@jackryan2135]

I cant believe they did not give you a CACS scan. Everyone should have a Coronary artery calcium scoring test.

[@mramazingtroy]

Definitely missed a trick not telling people to get a Coronary calcium scan. I would add that dynamic exercise test with an ECG. Considering a lot of athletes have heart rate monitors you can get a phone app you can monitor measure your heart rate variability daily to monitor changes. Finally I think what ever fitness level the importance of base training or zone 2 training before embarking of hard intervals.

[@jheichelbech]

Yep, first person I thought of was Ivor Cummins. "Know your score". kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpPMq4qKotaggq8

[@Aphidman1]

Really excellent piece. Thanks! Since my early 20s I've had a benign thing called ventricular premature beat, a.k.a. preventricular contractions, a.k.a. PVC. It is very noticeable and can feel disconcertingly uncomfortable. As a middle aged guy I've found that it is exacerbated when my caffeine intake is high and my exercise quantity is low. So, I allow a noon-time coffee only on afternoon bike ride days. Sadly, no more stops for espresso on long days of driving.

[@Abnsdllnnlosnfd]

This video is giving me an anxiety attack ;-(

[@Andre-eu5xd]

Abnsdllnnlosnfd same same

[@Bartooc]

You get an anxiety attack and then the doc says you should worry when your heart starts to randomly beat fast.

[@eclecticcyclist]

If watching a video gives you anxiety it could be that you're eating too many carbs, they raise insulin levels which overdrives the nerves as well as all the other cells in your body (useful when you're exersising but not when you're just trying to relax or sleep).

[@INTEGRITY273]

@@eclecticcyclist Bingo

[@crossvet]

Thanks GCN for an excellent video. I am a racing cyclist who manages intermittent atrial fibrillation by not overtraining and checking HRV regularly after a hard days riding. Looking after yourself with good nutrition and rest is paramount also.

[@leonarddaneman810]

I'm an extreme example. Until 50, was athletic able to ride 50 miles in 2.5 hours every other day . . . hiked up the mountain sustaining 180 bpm for an hour at a time . . . was experiencing heart pain once, but diagnosed with Athletic Heart Syndrome when the doc noticed my heart rate at rest was 30 bpm. Then, at 50, I was partially paralyzed and spent the next ten years sedentary, drinking . . . slow recovery . . . gained 80 lbs . . . at 61, got on the bike and did a painful 20 miles, but recovered fine . . . no nerve issues. Health issues plagued me the next 4 years, more sedentary and drinking, finally almost dying of sepsis in the hospital, which totally destroyed me and took two years to recover. Three months ago, bought a new bike and started riding. Only managed 2.5 miles (!) and trying to cross a hill had to stop, my heart rate at 165 and I was out of breath. In prep, training on a stationary, only maxed out at 140 bpm to get a sweat. In a matter of weeks, worked up to 12 miles . . . took three weeks off, and then just got on the bike and rode a pleasant 23 miles averaging 12 mph, and max heart rate of 145. I felt fine.

[@bcwish]

Thank you for another high quality and very informative video. I really enjoy these health-related topics. I have an extensive family history of cardiovascular disease in my family and cycling is one of the ways I (hopefully) reduce my risk of any heart problems. This video has made me think that I really should get a proper assessment done. Top job guys.

[@gcn]

Definitely, get it done bush!

[@sixpawls]

while I'm watching watching the video right now . I suddenly remembers my father's death 😭💔 and it makes me cry . He died on a heart attack . the video made me remmber the past 😭😭😭

[@philliptrzcinski5243]

Love that Dan has now become the go to “old unfit person”

[@jfmmccoll9189]

Thanks for the video, I am 72 and just got back from a 55 km ride. very useful information.

[@sanatandharma4435]

This is such a good channel! Last week after my 60th Birthday I went for a slow steady ride, over approximately 18km, I accelerated once up a 100m steep incline and then I went back to a sedate cadence. I crossed over a pelican crossing and stopped to look at some new bikes in a shop! Then it began, Chest pains! I could not get comfortable, after 10 minutes I called my wife to come and get me, whilst the pains got worse. She arrived and asked if she should call an ambulance, there was no phone signal, so I said to ask the bike shop to ring the emergency services which they did. The ambulance arrived after twenty minutes, by which time I was in a bad shape. The next thing I remember is waking up in hospital with my wife and hospital staff looking down at me to be told I had a STENT and I was lucky to be alive. Do I have a poor diet, I don't think so, do I smoke, No, alcohol initake? Maybe a 300ml can of no alcohol lager every month. Is there a history of cardiac problems in the family.....Er...Yes! My Dad died of a heart attack....I have been monitered, and told I have a strong heart!!! For the first time in my life I am on medication...Still I am lucky!! Get checked out!! Thank you for the article.

[@gcn]

We're glad to hear you're so lucky! Thank you for sharing your story, and we're glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@saveriodipoce2201]

Great topic.I am 76,been pushing the pedals for over half century.After my Fifty,I take a Cat skin of head every 5 years to see if there are any anomaly,and every two years an Eco cardiogram.of my heart and related accessories. So far,all is well. I advice anyone to do the same. Ciao from Italy.

[@shaungreen6967]

Pictures of Dan on while Si talks about older riders returning to cycling, you're all bad!!!!!

[@davidking3699]

Good subject matter - excellent expert Dr. with a clear way of explaining things... One area I would like to see this Dr speak on is Hypertension and exercise... Bring down Blood Pressure with what and how much exercise...? from a heart -friendly perspective for older riders. The e-bike has that one advantage when riding with younger guys, I can keep up with a group without stressing the heart out to max.