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

[@RRTalentLLC]

So should I bike or not?

[@sharpgirlsSerious]

F u n n y. ! 😂

[@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.

[@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

[@mickelkobeck7376]

I have been riding and racing for over 30 years....I knew of my family history of heart disease...but I truthfully thought I beat it....about 15 months ago I had a heart attack...no warning signs, started to feel dizzy...next thing I knew I woke up with the people that performed CPR on me standing over me...I had to have a triple bypass, as my father did. Fast forward to now, my Cardiologist is very proud of me, he says my fitness level probably saved me. I soon returned to riding, training and am doing some TT's. I feel great. LEARN your family history.

[@FlatSpinMan]

Mickel Kobeck That is an interesting comment. My dad, who has never done cycling or running etc but always been very active, recently discovered two of the arteries into his heart were 95% blocked. A doctor said that usually having one that is 70% blocked is very hard on the sufferer. I have to think it was his decent underlying health and fitness that kept him from being too troubled by it. He was fortunate in that it could be treated with a stent, rather than open heart surgery. Certainly gives me pause, given that, while I move a lot and cycle a lot, I do also eat a lot of food I shouldn’t.

[@mickelkobeck7376]

@@FlatSpinMan My Heart Surgeon is a runner...his statement when I said I thought I had "beaten" my family history was "you can't outrun...or outride your genes."

[@FranciscoElNeneGalan]

@@mickelkobeck7376 you probably could have...Dr. Esselstyn...plant based, no oil..

[@mickelkobeck7376]

@@FranciscoElNeneGalan Probably....NOT

[@mickelkobeck7376]

@Oneman Oneman Pretty much....not quite yet...Docs say I'm good to train, race whatever.

[@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.

[@Bikefixers]

Great video GCN, as a cyclist who has lived with a prosthetic aortic heart valve for nearly 40 years I know how important heart health is and how important regular monitoring is. I am planning on doing the NC500 Ride (after seeing your video last week) next year to celebrate 40 years since my open heart surgery & raise loads of money for UK Heart charities & also try & get some other heart patients on the ride. Keep up all the good work you are doing to promote cycling as a great way to keep fit & healthy.

[@renegadeflyer2]

Your a inspiration. I'm cycling with a pig valve for 3+ years, after emergency surgery to replace my valve and part of aortic artery. Raced a 70 km cross country last week. Never been fitter in my life. Got the green light and I put the pedal down.

[@johns3106]

@renegadeflyer2 You have a very similar story to mine...I needed emergency surgery (due to endocarditis) 3 years ago too. I received a mechanical aortic valve & aorta, and a patch on my heart wall where the infection had destroyed it. I feel very lucky to be alive, and even luckier to be able to get back to all my athletic endevors (after a year of gradual recovery) at pretty much the level I was at before surgery. Thank goodness for modern medicine and all the folks who practice it!! 🚴❤️

[@renegadeflyer2]

@@johns3106 I had a porcine valve, replaced the aortic root and repaired the arch. This was after spending 36 hours in a rural hospital. Asking for a CT scan. The emergency dr though I was over reacting and didn't think I knew what I was talking about. Sometimes I wish I was wrong

[@johns3106]

@renegadeflyer2 What was the underlying problem that forced your surgery? I was ill for two months and (finally) in the hospital for a week before it was discovered that I had a bacterial infection raging through my heart. It is always oddly comforting to know that there are others out there who have experienced something similar to my situation.

[@renegadeflyer2]

@@johns3106 I woke up in the morning with chest pain it seemed to me it felt like pressure not so much at first ,but as time went on it got worse. As any farmer would do. The cattle got look after first before going to the emergency. The nurse ask me if I had a Hart murmur before. I said no. Than I told her about my older brother getting a Hart valve and I thought it would be very good idea to get me to the CT scan. Thinking there might something going on in that area. The dr though I had an infection on the pericardium. He didn't tell me this but a nurse gave me a antibiotic pills an no info. The next morning the dr sent me for a CT scan to look for blood clots. I had told the CT tech my story and could she please look at my Hart valve and the area around and up . She told she would take a quick look. And sometimes I wish I was wrong, but I did survive and I have no restriction so far. I had a bicuspid Hart valve, an aneurysm, arortic dissection and it was leaking.

[@Don1Gibson]

Finally, a straight talking doctor who can confirm exactly what I have found in the real world. Take note people - don't exercise when ill. It can make life really difficult.

[@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?!

[@faisal_al_saiful3838]

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.

[@nicovanniekerk9765]

After 4 heart operations, having a defibrillator implanted in my chest and getting a mechanical aorta valve all before the age of 25, I started cycling. Bought a cheap road bike and have completed two Cape Town Cycle Tours since. Both my cardiologists encouraged cycling, but we worked out a proper training program to ensure I build my heart gradually, and monitor my exercises carefully. Thank you for this great video that gives some more background on the issues out there, love your channel.

[@hirisquvidson7625]

Whoa before 25? What happened if you don't mind me asking?

[@cdcoop0]

I'm a relatively new cyclist (4-5 years) and have a bicuspid aorta valve. I'm good now - I have been riding a lot more in the last 2 years - but will have to get it replaced at some point I think. I am curious - are you able to ride like normal (or with higher heart rates) with the mechanical valve?

[@molarman1594]

All the best Bru

[@Norman92151]

Thanks GCN from and older and still committed cyclist (67). Si does a really good job on serious topics.

[@smitajky]

I am also 67 and do a lot of training. I was interested in the video. Although I am not as worried about mortality as you might expect. I am more concerned about the quality of life than its quantity. Living an extra twenty years tied to a chair in a nursing home is my idea of hell on earth.

[@anthonylovell2271]

@@smitajky definitely not the way anyone wants to spend their extra years

[@dicktheaspergeron4988]

OldER but definitely not old ! You'll know there are a huge number of cycists (and good ones) well into their 80s and I hope you get there and further, still riding safely and enjoying it. Good luck !

[@kaykhan1315]

Yes me too mate,im 59. Happy healthy cycling

[@grahamballard7041]

In France where I live it’s necessary to have certificate from a doctor to join a cycling club, in my case as an older rider 69 I was sent to have a full investigation with all the above tests and a Velo test. It finished with the cardiologist congratulating me for having the heart of a 46 year old.

[@code3xiv]

Last month, got a news of my old friend collaps during night cycling trip from heart failure. Charismatic guy who always gives positive vibe to ppl around him. We gonna miss u buddy.

[@j.w.matney8390]

Great post. A very good friend who was a lifelong mountain biker and road cyclist died of heart failure last November while riding on his favourite trail in Marin, CA. RIP Kirk Wallace

[@gustavorincon1640]

As stated in the video, most problems arise from 2 factors: genetics and stimulation, so as a general rule, cycling is safe for your cardiovascular system, but you have to take into account predisposition and use of substances like caffeine and other stimulants

[@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!

[@garychaundy146]

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

[@TriRussell1]

I thought I was having heart issues about a year so I went and got it checked out. Everything came back normal, but I was still having pain in my left chest and arm. I kept tabs on it and let my doctor know when things changed. Then one day while driving to work I lost the feeling in left arm. I went into panic mode. In the end all the symptoms I though had to do with my heart were actually a nerve that was getting pinched in my neck due to a swollen muscle that was pushing against my vertebrae. Now I’m getting regular chiropractic adjustments and massages, and doing physical therapy daily. Make sure to get check out when things seem off.

[@bloodorange28]

happy to hear it was diagnosed and worked out. peace!

[@TheOtid]

Thanks! I have similar problem. Not the lost feeling, but similar symptoms. Always good to have second opinion.

[@einercolt9970]

What test did you did?

[@JamesThomas-wf6qm]

I’m glad everything worked out for you! Though, I will say that chiropractic adjustments are not as safe as people would believe.

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

I have given my best friend specific instructions that if I'm found dead with a laptop on my lap, to delete my search history, dress my corpse in cycling kit, and dump me and my bike at the side of the road.

[@rononyourleftretired5144]

:-)

[@robbchastain3036]

O no, don't delete the search history. That way they'll know to watch GCN. And maybe play your favorite video at the roadside funeral :)

[@newttella1043]

Delete all your bike porn web history so your wife won't ever find out how obscene bikes/bike parts costs.

[@AH-hp5si]

There’s a service for this ;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpC0cmqDZ9uEeNk

[@timothymburton]

My greatest fear for an early death is that my wife will sell all my cycling stuff for what I told her I paid for it...

[@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!

[@neilablard2768]

The quality of the GCN health videos has exploded of late. Well researched, well produced and engagingly presented. My other half works in cardiology, and was nodding sagely throughout, which is endorsement enough of the accuracy for me. Though we both decided Si's trouser choice was the only let-down in the vid. Beige Chinos? I can see why he was less embarrassed about getting his chest out. "Yes, show my scrawny pecs, just make sure you only do waist-up shots. My pants are on loan from Lloydy's wardrobe..."

[@wanajday]

I agree about the pants. He should have been wearing his plaid plus fours.

[@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!

[@ralphblundell106]

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

[@douglaspate9314]

Yup! Saw that!!

[@bicycletalk]

I love all your videos. This one though is outstanding. I ended up with open-heart surgery about seven months ago after being an avid cyclist and racing my bicycle for a number of those years. I have family history which came to a head on a bike ride on a hill where I could not breathe properly while I was climbing the hill. Within a week from that ride I was in surgery having a quadruple bypass. Two arteries were blocked 98% and the other two were blocked 80%. I was literally The Walking Dead. No idea just thought I was getting old. I am now 66 years old and I am on the recovery stage of my surgery. I have not felt better for at least 10 years and I am so thankful to my cardiologist and surgeon for getting me back to my life. I live and breathe this activity all the time as I am a very strong advocate for CYCLING and the benefits it gives. CYCLING has saved my life and continues to do so. Thank you GNC for posting this important video. Keep the rubber side down and the wind at your back, get out and ride your bike! It really could save your life!

[@carlosperaro1605]

This video hooked me right away. As a cardiac athlete, with a triple stent angioplasty, I have passed through several adaptations on my exercise routine, diet and some medication. I think I was lucky by discovering the problem when it was still treatable. My advice is, always have a complete check up before going deep in any sports, and if it looks like something's wrong, most probably it's because it is. So take care, and treat your heart well.

[@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,

[@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.

[@dato007]

I never comment. I’m a PhD that, like everyone, is living In world that fears facts. it’s wonderful to see logic, evidence, and honestly in a video about something emotional. Great stuff!

[@jimmybol]

Some of the mid-interview cuts around the 10 minute mark made me seriously crack up. Simon's hands moving whilst the expert is talking, the close-up macro of Simon's ears. Quality camera/editing work boys xD

[@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.

[@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]

😪

[@grantnixon9818]

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

[@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.

[@niallshakeshaft1524]

Great video. I got two things for my 50th birthday a few months ago. A gravel bike and an Afib diagnosis! This video was both reassuring and clarifying!

[@od1koneod171]

Wonderful to see this discussed by GCN. Lots of older guys in my cycling circles with AF... so a pretty hot topic of late. Good balanced answers... certainly significant, but many positives to balance. Agree 'whole heartedly' about backing off when ill, being properly trained for big efforts and giving plenty of recovery time after major endurance outputs! Nice one GCN

[@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!

[@vampireotaku4172]

Wow this video was intense makes me appreciate my heart so much more.

[@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

[@RudiDwiHartanto]

Mr Richardson and health video, name a more iconic duo. Awesome writing, great production quality. Awesome!

[@gcn]

Cheers Rudi, hope you find this one informative

[@EricWohnig]

I don't know how I've missed this video, but as a cyclist that has a complete heart block of my Atrioventricular node with a Pacemaker(on my 3rd and I'm 26), this was amazing.

[@gravyboat2370]

Makes me feel uncomfortable in my chest watching this !!!

[@shareefmk5982]

gravy boat same feeling

[@yellowlightingbolt]

+1 hahaha

[@rariru4538]

My Heart pumping so hard, while watching this haha 😄

[@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?..

[@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.

[@Silentisdeath]

I've been watching your channel for about a year or two now. This could be a top 5 or 10 video I've seen from you. Really well done!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@petrichor649]

It's kept me fit for half a century, resting heart rate of 56 and 112/90 blood. In my 60th year now , so I keep my heart under 170 these days. Great video.

[@peterlewis4199]

Just a small warning. A low resting heart rate can be caused by an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). I have recently had a blood test from my GP indicating slightly low thyroid levels and a high blood pressure, i am age 53. I had happily assumed that my low resting heart rate (47-55 bpm) was because i exercise a fair bit, . Fortunately it should be easy to treat with and no side effects. ***So don't just assume a low resting heart rate is always a good sign.***

[@eugeneeverard9717]

At age 49 I was training for a 100 mile mountain bike race (HC100). I have been competing in events like this since middle school. While showering after my workout I started to feel exactly like I do when I try to PR my favorite hill climb. 15 minutes later I lie “dead” from a widow maker heart attack on the gym floor. No family history of heart attack but I have had a long history of slightly elevated cholesterol. My PCP always noted it but was not concerned because the good cholesterol outweighed the bad. Surviving a widow maker has a very very low survival rate. Had I been on my MTB I wouldn’t be here today. As luck would have it, an ambulance was within 2 minutes of the gym and I received a defibrillator shock seconds after I went into a lethal rhythm and lost consciousness. Boys, the level of fear took 2 years to comprehend. This is a very good video!!!!!!!

[@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?

[@douglaspate9314]

Awesome! Thank you GCN!! Linked to my comment in the ask "GCN Anything" where I explain about my lung thrombosis, my heat rate changed from a normal resting 37-40 bpm to an "accelerated" 55-60 bpm. I too must keep a check on my heart. It is the most important muscle in our body!

[@slippin_jimmy]

This video has confirmed my belief that caffeine and intense exercise can be a dangerous combination and should be avoided. Great video GCN.

[@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.

[@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.

[@menow8090]

It is great to watch a health promotion show about active people and the risks we face. Almost all other health advise shows I have watched, have been for the inactive, high risk group. Just brilliant ! Thank you GCN.

[@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?..

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@Truncali82]

Great presentation on a subject that I often worry about. People have been pushing their bodies to the limit throughout history but modern cycling is a challenge on our physiology unlike anything our ancestors experienced. Its an obsessive hobby by nature and one that demands continually pushing to the brink of your cardiovascular ability. Competitive instincts spur us to mindlessly aggressive efforts and we believe that the reason we aren’t faster is because we didn’t suffer deep enough in training. At some point we certainly have to wonder if the outcome of this kind of exercise is really good for us.

[@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.

[@ashfaqalve1423]

grand pop died of heart attack played in the national football team and saw him doing pull ups a few days before he died at 83. When he was hospitalised, from which he returned home in a box, he fucking took the stairs to the 8th floor where he was administered. Remember, he was the patient and we took the stairs! Love you g pop

[@onehundredpicks5531]

What a legend

[@jimhansen5395]

This is the best video GCN has ever produced. It's imminently valuable to everyone, whether they be beginning cyclists or pros, retirees getting some exercise, or a college student racing in the local clubs. Literally anyone who watches this video will benefit from the knowledge presented. Thank you very much (now I'm going to go schedule a Cardiac Screening). :)

[@mayalman]

GCN is a byword for quality cycling content.

[@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.

[@magicrobharv]

As a man who got into cycling later in life, I really enjoyed this video. Great info!

[@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.

[@madmechanic7976]

At 43 I was thinking the other day on a steep hill climb that this is the way I'm gonn go ... I'm ok with that.

[@ghenulo]

I'm 40 and have been bicycling up and down this mountain on which I live since I was 27. Some of the more steep parts do increase my heart rate, but it reduces down whenever I get to a less steep part. But if I actually had a problem, I'd likely just reduce the gear (I just increased the gear I come up a few weeks ago, and I could always reduce it again, at the minor expense of it taking me two extra minutes to get up the mountain).

[@MTBXCSKI65]

My thoughts exactly. Climbing a hill on either my bike or my xc skis...and I'm 72, and have lived with mild aortic stenosis from Rheumatic fever for 67 yrs. Resting heart rate of 50, but under the stress of a helluva climb it will reach 172.

[@Rivengewildrift]

@@MTBXCSKI65 wow.. u're 72 and still alive, respect you are a living skeleton a true history legend walking among humans.

[@mickeytaker4255]

I'm sure you'll change your mind if it happens to you🤯

[@Dansthoughts]

I feel the same way 100%. At least I'll go while having fun.

[@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!!

[@jamesharvey1875]

Wow. Great episode. I am a 42 yo cyclist who deals with cardiac issues nowadays. I completed full IM in 2007 (coming from a non sporting background -type A personality ) but in 2017 suffered Afib, Heart Failure and a stroke. Bad genetics it seems... it’s so crucial to spread awareness about cardiac health, especially for the younger generation who “take it for granted”

[@timroden6617]

I suffered a heart attack 9 years ago. wish I had this information then. Nice job. I am very impressed with the content of this channel for sharing with non-cycling friends. I am an ex-athlete returning to the sport.

[@GraemeRobinson]

Excellent video, in particular the description of heart function prior to the cardiac specialist running through his spiel - I don't think I've seen heart function so clearly described before.

[@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.

[@rebellis13]

Thanks alot for this video GCN :) My cycling buddies were always concerned when I talked about my quite high max HR of 202 aged 33 which seems unusually high for them. I think I should talk to my doc about it too. Keep up the great work !

[@awesomexistence]

Dennis, my max at your age was similar and still was 195 at age 45 and is approximately 182 now at age 66. I had 20 years of racing fortunately with only 1 abnormal heart condition which was from pushing myself to train when not fully recovered from a lung infection. HR would spike to 240+ with a hard effort and take several minutes to come down. Fortunately this condition went away with about 6 months of less intense training.

[@chiefrocker12]

Outstanding. The GCN show is getting better with time. Clearly, judging by the comments below, this show is addressing matters that are outside promotional content and just tech; this is life stuff that we all can learn from and apply. Well done Si & the GCN crew!

[@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.

[@EolasColas]

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

[@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.

[@reidwagner1508]

Thanks, Si! I'm 76 and there has been a history of heart problems in my family. I've Got an annual this month. I'm wanting to check it very well. Thanks again. Very timely.

[@bugeye72]

Thanks for this. I just learned this week that I have an enlarged heart due to radiation treatments for Hodgkins disease 25 years ago. I don't know where things will end up for me, regarding this, but I appreciate what you put put out here, as this subject has taken up a lot of space in my head this week!

[@dominiquefrechette]

All your health related videos are excellent. Well documented. Interviews with very credible experts. Not single sided, which is refreshing on this platforms.

[@andrewwade5618]

I thouroughly recommend reading ‘The Haywire Heart’ : an excellent book on this subject!

[@awesomexistence]

Leonard Zinn is the coauthor of THE HAYWIRE HEART. He writes a monthly technical column for VELONEWS.COM which, if you use their archives going back approximately 4-5yrs, contains much about his heart procedures.

[@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.

[@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".

[@hanshomesteading1276]

This is a very great video. It just happened to be that I went on a ride just before watching this. Because of strong wind I pushed myself too much during warming up. I continued to push myself and my heart rate was around 160 when it suddenly jumped up to 175 (literally in seconds), very unpleasant. It has happened before and it helps then to stop and wait a few seconds (1 minute max) and the heart rate returns to normal. I am not really concerned, since I am obviously pushing myself too hard. It doesn't happen very often. I agree with this video; I am 42 years old and even we feel okay at this age, we're not 18 anymore, so don't go crazy, take it easy:-)

[@jkolner]

One of the best videos from GCN.

[@elbanj]

I'm 44 and had open heart surgery in March for a bicuspid valve. Finding solid information on what you can and can't do is so difficult. There just isn't that much data. Videos like this are great. Very insightful. I'd recommend anyone with concerns to get checked out. I thought I was super fit with almost no symptoms.

[@bernd5199]

Yeah, I had to stop cycling after my cardiac arrest. My heart developed a deadly arrythmia. I thought I won't be able living without my passion, but it turned out to be okay. Now after my ablation I'm free of arythmias since 3 months.

[@dtrishacc]

How old were you?

[@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.

[@paolobramucci3609]

An excellent video on the subject of the heart and athletic fitness. I would say the best that I have ever seen. So much so that I will be sharing with my social circle. Thank you GCN!

[@phillwhitlam6999]

I totally agree with Norman1951Norman, being 66, a mere youngster, these health related videos are a welcome breath of fresh air. GCN are tackling subjects most sports related channels wouldn't go near with a barge pole. Well done guys keep it up. Chapeau to Si as well for keeping putting himself in the firing line and making very public his own results.

[@johnschofield3586]

Thanks for making this excellent video and for including lots of detail without dumbing it down. Keep it up!

[@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.

[@freewheels7544]

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

[@Ob_Bashar]

I got pretty much the same results as sid in this video from my last checkup and i was verry terryfied at first, but my doc did a great job explaining me the situation

[@shamr0ck]

Mamil word is dropped.... Who does the editor pan to an image of? Oh yes.

[@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.

[@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”.

[@pkschack]

This one is a great service. I went through an issue with my Cardio Vascular system last fall where for a while I thought I might be done with cycling forever. After doing Endurance exercise for 40 + years suddenly I was getting tired and having to stop to rest just walking in from the parking lot to work. We did all the tests mentioned here including the ECG. In my case it turned out my Blood volume had gotten too thick as a result of the mean RBC size being above the mean. A treatment to lower the ICF took care of it. I am convinced that my detailed monitoring of workouts helped us really head this one at the past. Thank you so much.