Is Too Much Exercise Bad For Your Heart?

We all know that exercise is good for us, but can too much exercise at too high intensity actually be damaging to your heart? Si and Mark visit the expert cardiologists at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester to learn more about the link between exercise and cardiovascular health, and undergo MRI scans to find out the impact cycling has had on their hearts.
Please remember, if you’re worried about your heart health or have any negative symptoms, be sure to seek expert advice from a doctor.
00:00 Intro
01:26 British Heart Foundation MRI Facility
02:24 Why is exercise so good for you?
04:47 What does an MRI scan show?
05:43 Si’s results
08:43 Mark’s results
11:03 Does extreme exercise increase risk?
14:21 Summary
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[@gcn]

What other health & science topics would you like to see us cover next? 🧑‍⚕🚴 Let us know in the comments below! 👇

[@jimhansen5395]

How does aging affect your ability to recover, and does intense, or long duration exercise have a negative impact on the heart?

[@nluisa]

How to prevent age related sarcopenia and osteoporosis as cyclists

[@goldikova1]

It would be nice to know if the position effects the heart . Upright Vs high saddle low bars.

[@jrm1946]

Does cycling have a detrimental effect on prostate health. My GP suggested it does and said I should stop

[@fatihsalta5539]

Efects of exercise on Aorta enlargement

[@ianmacgregor8628]

I am a retired GP. In a 30 year career I saw several hard training amateur athletes in middle age who developed atrial fibrillation. I do not remember one where alcohol, particularly binge drinking was not a factor. Some sports and some athletes had a culture of "reward" drinking. Hopefully this is reducing. My advice is that if you are training at all seriously you should not drink alcohol. Many thanks to Professor McCann for pointing this out.

[@maxenra]

Thank you for your insight. I really wish more people would deduce from the advice and experience so many medical professionals have that alcohol and even diet play so much a larger role in our overall health and abstain from poor choices.

[@donross7820]

I could not agree more but this is a mutli-factorial condition and other things can also bring it on. See my above note.

[@davemellor4697]

I can concur with what you say,i have had a cardiac ablation as i used to push myself silly doing time trials. Although i am ok now i still push but never let myself go over a threshold of 163 bmp any more i know im in the red im 62 and 86 kilo and still pretty quick.Everyone should know there limits

[@michaelyingling2975]

@@davemellor4697 Raced amateur cat 3 & masters for years. Train like a possessed maniac. I set my HR max at 185. 66 years old @ 1.7 m tall (5.7') hitting 68.5 kilo at end of spring training. Cycle Life Forever!!

[@andyfpt]

I certainly believe alcohol played a role with me developing Paroxysmal Afib 4years ago. There is definitely a culture of "reward drinking" for going hard on physical activity. Fortunately my episodes last only a few hours and always associated with now even a few drinks in the evening. Fortunately there's plenty of high quality non-alcoholic beers these days which makes cutting back a lot easier. I'm probably going go with cryo ablation this year because even though it only happens a few times a year over the last 4 years I absolutely hate the way it makes me feel. I want to stop it before it gets worse.

[@azaz6951]

This is another reason why zone 2 training is so important. Puts less stress and pressure on the heart

[@PoliticusRex632]

According to my doctor, it was my strong heart and huge lungs that saved my life when I had a severe case of Covid. Two doctors wanted to put me on a respiratory but the head doctor knew my cycling history and said no. 40 years of bmx and road cycling saved my life. That and a great doctor.

[@RobertHopkinsArt]

Outstanding work!

[@darrenthomas9928]

Yes same for me , but I haven't been able to smell or taste for over 2 years so sometimes wished I didn't have a strong heart

[@natureshamy]

@@darrenthomas9928 Has not being able to smell or taste for so long changed what foods you eat? I think I'd be eating a LOT more veggies if I had lost my senses for that long when I got Covid (It only lasted for about three weeks for me).

[@darrenthomas9928]

Eat what I ate before, always had vegetables in my meals , but now, instead of enjoying my food I eat just because I need too

[@davidkaplan5517]

@@darrenthomas9928 people need to understand that Covid makes permanent changes to our bodies. And our collective inaction only makes it worse. 30 years from now is gonna be a rude awakening.

[@campbellsims7198]

I’ve been cycling for 40 years and had a heart bypass 3 weeks ago. Being a cyclist means I have big arteries, meaning that an 80% blockage of my left anterior descending artery didn’t result in a heart attack. Only symptom I had was pain in my left shoulder blade while cycling to work, which I got checked out.

[@zeg2651]

So cycling saved you from the consequences of your disease?

[@cubodiosum]

Wishing you good health!

[@bullerfugl]

​@@zeg2651 it isn't necessarily a consequence of him working out

[@AbiShafi]

I had the same symptoms, I couldn’t walk no more than a few hundred yards before the pain hit me. Best of luck for the future 😎

[@gcn]

Good to hear that you're doing ok

[@bikeump7246]

This is the most important video I have ever seen on GCN. I have been cycling for 20 years. My rides are usually 40 to 70 miles. I was diagnosed with a-fib in 2010 but hey were short episodes so my cardiologist wasn't concerned about my riding. When I turned 65, they put me on blood thinners (standard procedure). Three years ago I crashed while riding, breaking my collarbone and four ribs and getting a serious hematoma on my hip. The doctors' concerns initially and in the following days led them to tell me to give up cycling. Riding means so much to me mentally and physically, and I can't do that. I won't live on blood thinners the rest of my life. I sought an electro-cardiologist who was an avid cyclist, and he performed ablation on my heart. I am now cleared to ride, but I've always wondered about the long-term effect on my heart. I took the information from the video to my cardiologist. He went through my MRI and my condition with me and has agreed that my riding is not a concern, and as your video pointed out, the exercise has actually improved my physical condition. I'm nearly 70 years old now, ride four times a week and am as active and healthy as I've ever been. Thanks for this insight.

[@briandeal8927]

I love this! Being a triathlete and endurance runner, I’m always hearing “my doctor said I can’t run/bike because …..”. There are some exceptions, but my thought is always if a doctor says you can’t do the exercise you want and should do, then find a doctor that is able and creative enough to do what they need to to allow you to exercise safely!

[@Velodan1]

im 71 and raced road and track for 25 years yet rarely trained more then 10hrs a week. very little alcohol. Hearts still in great shape. Everything in moderation is the key.

[@sicbay]

Thanks for this. I am an avid cyclist - usually doing around 4-5000 miles / year. I'm 59 years old. Last November, while out on a ride, I had a sudden cardiac arrest and my heart stopped. Luckily a nurse was nearby and performed CPR on me until the ambulance arrived. I survived and now I'm back riding again! When I had an angiogram in the hospital it was discovered that I had a heart attack at some point in my past! I had no idea. Silent heart attacks are real.

[@steveco1800]

Wow! Must have been traumatic and what an amazing person to save your life with CPR. Well done getting back out there, take care 😊

[@sicbay]

@@steveco1800 just got back from a 22 mile / 15 mph average ride, so all is back to normal!

[@soloist777]

Your experience is very similar to mine however I was diagnosed with ARVC which is progressive. I continue to ride but last year finally went to an ebike and don't push my HR over 110bpm now.

[@-First-Last]

Did you 've got that "magic" spike protein injected in you ?

[@darrylperry6029]

I played basketball competitively for years until my knees went south, then took up cycling and raced for over 25+ years. In the last year I was diagnosed with an enlarged heart and was put on meds with risk of atrial fibrillation and strokes. I still ride 6 days a week but at an easy pace. I finally realized there’s no Tour De France for me.😊

[@guussophie3074]

I developed atrial fibrillation when I was about 45 years old and was still actively racing my road bike. I had a catheter ablation when I was 53 years old and stopped racing. I’m 62 years old now still ride my road bike 3 to 5 times a week, about a 1000km monthly. I make sure, I stay in zone 2 for most of the time and don’t go into the red zone for too long.

[@stevegreene9149]

Similar to you, I have just had an ablation at 53 and I also try and stay in Zone 2. I want to be riding when I am in my 80's! :)

[@aarthoor]

Interesting, I have AF and decided myself to ride with a heart monitor and just stay out of the red, I had no medical advice and wondered if ti was even a good idea to keep riding. But I've seen my stamina improve but mostly it's the happiness I get from being out. My avg speed is only 10mph now but the benefits I feel are everywhere in my body. It must be the best thing to do!

[@Cyclonut96]

... and... what about the alcohol? Was it a factor, am dying to find out...

[@dxarelto2748]

I’m 56 and did ablation when I was in 52. Still taking med daily but reduced dose. Ride once to twice about 60-90 km. I’m doing fine but remind myself to don’t go beyond 150bpm more than few minutes while riding

[@MrAndrewjdavis]

Me too! I was road racing pretty hard from 40-50 and started to back off after that. Still did the weekly clubrun including some mad efforts. Had a "funny feeling" after one hill effort, spun home and rested on the sofa for the day and was back to normal. Stupidly did the same thing 2 weeks later and didn't get back to normal - persistent atrial fibrillation! After a couple of weeks I tried a solo ride and heart rate was 170 at 20kmh so decided to get checked out. To cut a long story short, I had cardioversion 4 months later which fixed it instantly. I am super cautious now and don't do any max efforts - which unfortunately means the clubrun is a no-go because it is just too tempting to race. Now, I stick to the odd solo ride at zone 3 and I have taken up running an hour a week (as the pace is more constant). P.S. The cardiologist was lovely but a bit vague on exercise - simply saying "if you feel ok, don't worry" - and didn't mention over-exertion as a trigger (which I am 100% sure was). Also the cardiac nurse said she often sees cyclists with persistent AF but mainly a few years AFTER they stop racing!

[@donross7820]

I am a 78 yo retired ER physician and I get Exercise Induced AF. I have learned a ton about the natural history of the disorder and have learned how to control it. Several thoughts are worth passing on. The most important is that I watch my rate on my Garmin 1030 like a hawk and keep it under 140-150 when I am trying for a Strava segment PR. If I ignore that and keep pushing it I can go Into AF. Also, a myriad of things make AF much more likely: massively important is alcohol intake the night before, chilling, dehydration, too much coffee, AND extremely important is a slow 5-10 mile warmup. Going for speed without a proper warmup will bring it on. I also note that I am much more prone to SVT with each increasing year of age. This also comes on without warmup but I find that if it develops I can ride through it at fairly high intensity if I just keep the rate under 180. I know AF because it makes me feel like I may pass out. SVT on the otherhand gives only the slightest feeling but I know I have gone into it because my pulse will be about 30 beats per minute faster for a given level of exertion than it should be or normally is. There is no way I will take a blood thinner or get a cardiac ablation as all the doctors recommend. It is totally manageable by understanding the mechanism of disease and altering the factors which induce the condition. I hope this information helps others who might also be prone to the condition. Also, as far as alcohol goes, I really enjoy a fine red wine and I have discovered that I can get away with having 2-3 glasses per night but only for 2 nights per week.

[@kenannable4747]

Thank you for the details. I'm not sure if I they're AF events but I have encountered situations where I'm riding along and all of a sudden, my heart rate quickly drops 15-20 beats (using a chest strap HRM) and the perceived exertion of the ride increases drastically. It hasn't happened a whole lot, maybe 3 times so far this year, but it seems to occur after leaving my heart rate in the upper zone 3/lower zone 4 range for too long (almost always during a Zwift training ride). The last time this happened I tried stopping until my heart rate seemed to recover (about 5 minutes) and then was able to continue the workout as if it never happened. Times before this I just stopped completely. Do these symptoms match those of AF?

[@MrAndrewjdavis]

@@kenannable4747 Hi, not as far as I know. I had persistent AF and it causes elevated HR. Basically the heart doesn't pump as efficiently when in AF so HR goes up. I had it for a few months before cardioversion fixed it completely. I have been clear for 2 years now, but I am cautions not to go into Zone 4, and avoid endurance+deyhdration+exertion which is what triggered it (it came on suddenly and didn't go away).

[@CreRay]

This is an interesting point. I'm sure I developed AF after I got Covid early 2020 (way before even talks about vaccine), it would always strike after a bike ride, at a moment where I was relaxing. The first time I didn't understood what was happening and I seriously worried about dying. I discovered that by keeping my HR low, I could avoid it. 1 Time standing on the pedals cycling over a bridge and bingo! I managed to stay under the limit after that, and slowly slowly increased my HR in training over the duration of the year. My fitness took an enormous hit but I'm OK now. I'm still mad at the doctor who didn't take my complaint seriously, he just listened to my heart and said "everything is normal now. You can book a new appointment when it's happening again". Yeah, thanks!

[@chrisstott9843]

That is so interesting. Thank you. Im 72 and ride 3 - 4 times a week but typically only for 90 minutes. I allow my HR to run up to 160bpm when climbing. Do you think that is excessive for my age? No obvious signs of AF, but sometimes feel a bit light headed. Haven't done a stress test for 12 years.

[@CreRay]

A couple of years ago I signed up for a 6-day ride in the Dolomites. I thought it was tough, but there I met a guy who also participated, at 74 years of age! This guy has become my hero and inspiration. I want to stay fit and healthy, not just now at 46, but I want to be able to enjoy life when I'm retired as well. My parent showed me how it shouldn't be done, eating unhealthy, no exercise whatsoever, as soon as they were retired the problems started. What good is your pension when you have the time and money, but not the health? What is the quality of your life if you can't walk for more than 5-10 minutes? To not become like them has become my biggest inspiration. Thanks GCN for this video -it confirms I'm on the right path! Good point about the alcohol, I'll enjoy it even less now.

[@robertcroft2905]

I know it shouldn't matter, but I wasn't expecting to see Gerry McCann today. Good to see him continue to do positive waves for peoples health.

[@dylanwynroberts]

I thought I recognised the face as well.

[@TheRst2001]

Ahhh , I was trying to work out where I've seen him before, glad he's keeping busy

[@hcw199]

When will they tell us where the body is?

[@MrChippiechappie]

My thoughts exactly I’ve always said they know more than they’re letting on about what happened to Madeleine.

[@aihsanasl]

@@hcw199 afaik girl's body found in Germany

[@mischief2168]

This is good work. Like Simon's earlier feature on sun damage and risk to skin, it provides expert level information that we either may not easily find elsewhere in understandable terms, or information that we may not think or bother to look up. I commend it and applaud it. This is where GCN excels, these features that concentrate on us at a human level; likewise the interest and entertainment we get from watching the challenges that demonstrate what humans are able to achieve. Not that I don't enjoy the tech geekery, the occasional historical features, the presenters and the bantz. Well done GCN. In the words of OB ... Love you!

[@gcn]

Thanks a lot! It means a lot when our viewers genuinely benefit from our content!

[@jimsmith9419]

I do like GCN’s health videos-those on men’s reproductive systems, heart, weight, mental health, for example. I agree with the suggestions made in the comments, and would add that something to do with (i) women’s health and (ii) the health of older cyclists might be useful.

[@gcn]

Thanks Jim! We do have this video on older cyclists health 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKSQiJavgbaaeLs and Women's-specific videos are something we're looking to do a lot more of in the future! Watch this space.

[@jrm1946]

Well done Si and Mark for sharing your personal (and usually private) health information for the benefit of all. This stuff is important but little publicised

[@LFOD1776]

Calm down JRM. These two were happy to share their personal information about their Covid vaccine.

[@markclevedon81]

An excellent feature. Age, rest/recovery, moderation are all very relevant and it is proven that too much physical stress and exertion will have long term ramifications. "Listen" to your body and don't be martyrs because there is always another day.

[@johnandrews3568]

I've been a good amateur racing cyclist with 45 seasons done and number 46 underway. I typically ride between 15-20,000km a year for decades. I'm 58 and my FTP in-season is typically around 375 that past few years. A while back I had an inner chest wall tear (due to stress... brutally ugly divorce/custody battle) and the only oddity the doctors found (after 2 MRIs and multiple tests) was that my heart is about 35% larger than it should be if I were a non-athlete. The doctors cleared me saying my heart has the health of a top amateur athlete in his mid 30s. I'll take that.

[@NELSON3947]

In summary...Cycling is a lot healthier than women..🤣

[@cryora]

There was one night I was barely able to sleep because I was being taken to court. It felt more strenuous on my heart than any exercise I've done, like a sustained all out sprint. I had also locked myself out of my room and had to sleep outside until my landlord could come by. But that day I did investigate the constant noise coming from the toilet and found that the gasket on the flapper developed bulges that prevented it from fully sealing, so it kept draining and wasting water. So I went and replaced it, and saved myself and other housemates a good bit on utility fees.

[@gwhite7011]

375🤔

[@philfortner1805]

Your heart could start a street fight with 3 other hearts and kick their asses!

[@johnandrews3568]

@@gwhite7011 yup, whatabout it?

[@AbiShafi]

I had three stents fitted to my heart arteries by Papworth in Cambridgeshire around eight or nine years ago I’m now 63. I started cycling two years ago although I always though I was quite fit, in the gym most lunchtimes before the heart issue. Since I started cycling my fitness has increased and my weight decreased (I was around 15st when I retired I’m now down to under 12st.

[@andycharlton6798]

July 2020 I had a triple bypass. I was 60 years old. Very overweight but cycling, pretty slowly, around 80 miles a week. Doctors said that my fitness would help the operation be straightforward, and help my recovery. 2 and half years later I'm 20 odd kilos lighter and feeling absolutely fine. My symptoms were very mild, and not typical of heart issues. Got to thank my GP who didn't listen to my, "I think you'll find it's indigestion," referred me to the local cardiac unit here in Mallorca where I live, and effectively saved my life.

[@OGillo2001]

Ride on Andy lad!!

[@Seppster58]

Great video and content. I started regular cycling several years ago and since that time my pacemaker has not triggered. Every year I get checked out, no triggers and the battery life extended. I can only say that cycling has been a huge part of this being possible. It has also had huge impacts on other aspects of my general health and well being. I am and shall always be a cyclist!! Thanks to GCN family for being our motivation!!

[@gcn]

Thanks Steve, that's so good to hear!

[@Greg41982]

These folks give such an amazing and concise explanation of all of this. Kudos!

[@nimeshpatel6536]

Loved the content! I had heart surgery over 10 years ago at Glenfield hospital due to a genetic conditions, and started cycling a few years ago. It’s always in the back of my head if cycling is doing more bad than good, and this video has really helped

[@BobKramer51]

You didn't talk about blocked arteries. I had a heart attack at 58, after nearly 30 years of training and racing. It occurred near the end of a 30 mile training ride. Cause was blocked arteries, result was 4 bypasses. I'm 71 now and still riding, but at a moderate level. Thanks for all your great research.

[@Neil.C57510]

Did you used to work shifts, irregular hours?! Or 9-5?

[@MrAndrewjdavis]

I would recommend that if you can afford it - pay to get a full heart scan at age 50! Just to be sure.

[@Hurst11]

Thank you for making this video, it is something that has been on my mind for a long time. It is so reassuring that Gerry and his team are looking into this further. I hope they publish the results of the Brain Scan's etc. Thanks guys!

[@hackfabrication139]

I'll be 73 this September, weigh 135 lbs (61.23kg), 69" tall (175.26 cm). I work out on my trainer (Peloton) daily for 30-60 minutes. I keep my heart rate in high zone 2 and zone 3. With the occassional/brief low zone 4 blasts. I'm no speed demon, but I can average 15 mph (24 kmp) for that length of time. My resting pulse is sub 70, and with some meditation, I'm able to lower that to the mid/low 60's. I've also have a (recently diagnosed) heart murmur. The cardiologist says it's 'middle of the road' on their scale, so just needs to be evaluated on a regular basis (yearly). If you don't like running (jogging) or long walks: Get on a bike a RIDE!

[@reubenandheidiboniface3663]

I am a "lifetime" endurance athlete with a family history of AF and an enlarged left atrium, I have had periodic AF incidents. I have learned my risk/causal factors and by managing those have continued my super-active lifestyle and have not had an AF incident for over two years. My older brother is fairly inactive and has had daily meds for years and ablation procedure. I'll carry on my way thanks.

[@galenkehler]

Tough call: having a highly trained cardiovascular system probably saved my life from the blood pressure effects of my adrenal tumor, but it also made it hard for the doctors to diagnose, cause the strength of my heart caused the symptoms to be different. Hard to say...

[@cb6866]

Thanks Si , Mark and all the Docs ...I am an older , ex marathon runner , and I have been hearing this for a bit . I get yearly physicals , and I have gotten the same looks from my Docs. Hmmmmmm ...it does make you think a bit . I am , however , just cycling now , no longer running . I appreciate all of the deep dives you do , and look forward to more , thanks again

[@BenAroundo]

I had heart problems ( irregular heart beat and heart pain ) but riding for two years STRICTLY pampering my heart in zone one made those problems go away and undetectable in my latest heart tests. The specialist was happily surprised. I only ride zone one.

[@Morfeusm]

This is my greatest fear, I am anxiously watching this video in parts as my anxiety allows me! Great content! Thank you so much for sharing this video!

[@Mugochap]

I race both gravel and mountain bikes and in early 2016 (I was 35 at the time) I was diagnosed with premature ventricular contractions after suffering with a lot of palpitations and “skipped” beats for a month or so. I went through all of the normal testing and my cardiologist decided that the best course of action for me was to change my sleep and eating habits… I did that, also took about 4 weeks off the bike at the time and never really had the issues reoccur. But I’m glad that you all shared this video as a now 43 year old bike racer it was a good reminder to for me get back to the cardiologist for another checkup. Also, not excited about it but it seems like perhaps I should give more consideration to curtailing my fondness for a glass of whiskey in the evenings!

[@natureshamy]

I love how y'all added clips of Brad when the doc started talking about bodybuilders (7:24 onwards). We need more videos of Brad!

[@mib7483]

I was training for the BWR Cedar City when I had my heart attack last year. I was 56, not over weight, had a VO2 max of 55 and had a left lower anterior 100% blockage. The Dr. Said that because of my cycling I had developed a strong heart with auxiliary veining and that is why I survived. Working on getting my VO2 max back.

[@jasoncarson3390]

Absolutely great video. Love to hear the future progression of these studies.

[@niles_stone2540]

Thoroughly enjoyed this segment. Would love to see more health and research related information.

[@p_mh]

great video, I recently went through the same MRI myself. 32yo cyclist recovering from covid induced myocarditis. Been off the bike for 6 months now. Thankfully my pre-existing fitness had strengthened my heart and I will make a full recovery, but it's slow training below 110bpm for now, to recondition safely. Thanks for the awesome content GCM, your videos have kept me inspired during recovery.

[@ronhigh8370]

Hey guys loved the great informational video, I had a heart and liver transplant in November 2019 all of my doctors told me had I not bee in such good shape I may not have even made it to surgery, I have been cycling for quite some time and it definitely kept me in great shape, I have returned to cycling and weight training and plan to keep it going!! Keep moving people, motion is life, peace and blessings!!

[@chrisshubotham3732]

Fascinating video. I only took up cycling 2 years ago at the age of 59, I discussed cycling with my cardiologist who gave me the green light to take part in sportives. I completed the recent Cambridgeshire Classic (57 miles) in 4 hours and have done a few others. Although I am instructed not to take part in competetive racing (no danger there) I can't help always wanting to catch the rider infront of me. So glad that I took up cycling.

[@alikabok-es4sx]

This topic was brilliantly explored by Lennard Zinn in an amazing book, titled, The Haywire Heart. I suggest that any avid cyclist or athlete read that book. Moderation is the key. Irregardless of how fit you are, too much exercise is going to screw your heart.

[@Zozzle12]

I recommended Zinn's Haywire Heart in the post I made today. There's lots of interesting info in that book.

[@xosevi17]

agreed!!! It doesn't matter how fit you are, if you are overtrained you aren't doing yourself any favour. There is a GCN episode on that

[@darrylearnshaw7102]

This is definitely something I’ve thought about on ultra rides so thank you for this one, very informative and useful

[@ChristopherJohnston-ir7jq]

I suffered kidney failure in 2000. My blood pressure was so high I should have had a stroke. What saved me was my fitness level from years of cycling jogging & walking as a younger man. Had transplant & still cycling now. Id like to see this experiment done on an older person perhaps with a transplant.

[@ronm9357]

Great, GREAT content! A massive thank you to the _entire_ GCN team!

[@sergiomessina2037]

Thank you for this heartfelt video.

[@orbitox]

Well done GCN. An excellent and informative video. Would love a similar one please on the impact of cycling on joints as we age.

[@richarddueck1770]

I run and cycle, and as I belong to a club, more than one of the members have serious a-fib issues, so it was helpful to hear more about this. I was particularly intrigued to hear about the connection with alcohol consumption. Many thanks

[@fastfreddy9341]

Fascinating interview. I am 75, preparing for a TT 10K, and find myself wondering how much I can push myself as I train for the next six months. I drink 4 oz. red wine every night. Thank you, GCN, for great videos on so many topics concerning cycling health, et al. You guys are great!

[@barrydlight17]

I am 28 years old, I was diagnosed with Sick sinus syndrome which is basically the natural peacemaker of the heart and most likely genetic, I've fainted on several occasions and that's what lead me to the doctor, and to that diagnosis, the doctor told me that for now, I was ok, but eventually in life I would need a pacemaker he told me that making aerobic exercise will help with that condition, it's been a year from then and I went from a sedentary lifestyle to go for runs and recently rides on the bike 4 days a week, I haven't get tested yet but I can say that I feel less tired and I haven't felt the slightest sign of fainting like before, in the coming weeks I will get myself checked again to see If all these months of exercise did something or not.

[@jons78733]

One other thing to be aware of is PAC’s or, Premature Atrial Contractions, where the atria of the heart contracts prematurely and the “timing” of the heart function becomes imbalanced. It is an uncomfortable episodic response that some believe to be a precursor to atrial fibrillation. Having been a competitive swimmer and cyclist since the age of 5, I developed this in my late fifties. I underwent a heart ablation wherein the misfiring nerves are targeted and ablated using a laser to restore normal heart function. It is an expensive procedure but, it completely improved my ailment and was truly life changing. In my case, it was a slow process and I didn’t even realize how much it was affecting my life and athletic performance until I woke up in the recovery room. It was as if someone had been standing on my chest and stepped off. This is great content and very informative. Thank you GCN crew!

[@lisam9106]

That’s very interesting!! Thanks for filming this and getting expert advice !

[@nickmaidment]

Im aged 66. Former Royal Navy PTI. Been very active since aged 16. Done various types of exercise at a good level since 16. Football, rugby, circuit training, Royal Navy Field Gun, marathons, HIIT, indoor rowing national championships. You name it, Ive done it. Got diagnosed with Atrial Fibrilation a year ago, never knew I had it, my good lady noticed it when we were watching tv together. Its possible i have had it for years. No other side affects, if nobody told me i had it, i would not know. Obviously the heart is beating very irregularly, but controlled with Beta Blocker and been on blood thinners over a year now. After Echo, where it was discovered my heart is fine, apart from enlarged left atrium, and of course the crazy heart beat, two failed Cardioversions, long chat with the cardiologist, Im diagnosed as Permanant AFIB. That means no more Cardioversion, and no ablation recommended as my quality of life is not affected by my AFIB. When in Navy, drank a fair bit, as we all do. Now, I ride most days, not outside, on Wahoo Kickr Core, indoor rowing, weights. Not at the level i used to do, but enough to be beneficial. Life is still pretty good. If i go downhill, will consider ablation. But my cardiologist and I are both of the opinion, if it wont improve the quality, or quantity of life, dont get one.

[@JBean_COCR]

Really like this episode. I have been an amateur runner for 15 years, triathlete for 12 years, and cyclist for 45 years. At 55 I was diagnosed with bradycardia (low/irregular heart rate caused by weakened electrical signals to the heart). When I was at the height of my training my typical resting heart rate was 42. Even in my mid-50s it was in the 50s. At 55 I got a pacemaker as at times when I drove, and when I got up quickly, I would almost pass out, ending up in an emergency room and becoming a bionic man. I haven't had anything else bad develop with my heart, but now retired I plan to continue cycling until I can't. A couple of heart specialists have told me that there is a possible link between my condition and all the training miles, and that very low heart rate might also contribute. I was never a heavy drinker (1-4 beers/month except when I was training for an event). Would love to hear a follow up.

[@jw3638]

One of the best videos on gcn. Very informative.

[@mikeeasey6815]

Top subject we must always talk about, and must be open to taking advice as we get older. Just because you have always done it that way, may not be good for you latter in life. Been there, had the stroke!! Now cycling better than ever!!❤

[@ashokdongre7289]

Great episode Si !! Thank you!! This is great awareness.

[@tomwilkinson2731]

Hello GCN. Fascinating video here. I was born with a cardiac condition called pulmonary atresia, a very serious form of heart disease where the 4 chambers did not form correctly. I’m now mid 30s and a keen road cyclist. My cardiologists have monitored me throughout my life, and they have said cycling regularly has been enormously beneficial to my overall health, and also the health of my heart. 3 or 4 times a week, pushing heart rate up to about 150 -170bpm, so not absolutely smashing it down country lanes, but a brisk pace. Of course everything has to be done sensibly, slowly starting out and of course with the advice of your medics clearly in mind. But overall according to my cardiology team at Leeds General Infirmary, cycling has been a huge benefit to me. Wishing you all well, keep the video content coming 👍 🚴

[@stevennevin7466]

This is by some distance the most valuable content GCN has created. imo. If just a small proportion of viewers take action off the back of watching it has the potential to save lives.

[@pjdaddio]

Thank you for doing this video. Very helpful!

[@xosevi17]

this is VERY important. As someone who had arrythmia due to a very stressful part of my life, while my heart is fine, I learnt to cycle without stressing my body and heart too much. I know for certain I couldn't perform some of the extreme tests and performances most GCN staff does, though I really admire that

[@findermanimages]

Great video and great insight into heart health. I'm 54, ex military and recent convert to all things endurance. Including the dreaded alcohol rewards for a session well worked. In 2020 I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. It was discovered after I had trained hard several times and was reduced to one knee on the floor as I tried to recover. In 2022, after a period of continued training but with better management and understanding of the condition, it was operated on (a cryo ablation). Since that operation my training has returned to normal, the alcohol greatly reduced and life is good again. All I'd say is this, if ever you feel your heart is doing something it shouldn't be, get it seen to straight away. These things are not worth messing around with. Thanks again, guys, for highlighting this issue 👍🏼

[@midwesttreasureandrelicrec7914]

Great show fellas I think a lot of the viewers including myself would like to see you explore these health avenues from time to time in the future for sure!

[@RomperSuit]

I’m 64 and developed paroxysmal (occasional) Afib about 5 years ago after many years recreational cycling, including endurance cycling. It’s well controlled by meds and I’m on the waiting list for an ablation. Can still cycle, but am careful not to go full gas. The only time exercise triggered Afib was when i tried to keep up with my son on a very hilly tour in Donegal - lesson learned.

[@bigsarge638]

Very informative video, as I recently suffered a mild stroke-induced after cycling. I never associated some strange sensations I previously had on rides as an alert to slow down and get checked out. The sudden stroke was my alert. Long story short, I'm happy to be here, but identifying the cause of my issue is ongoing, and the unfortunate lapse (slowing down on cycling) has proven damaging to my lifestyle. Thanks, GCN.

[@twoarchers]

Great video! I’ve been monitoring my HR with various devices for at least 25 years… family history and have a high heart rate says I should. I started using the Forth Frontier X2 in October and reviewing the rhythms after each workout. I cycle 3-5 time a week in summer and play rec hockey in the winter. I do get some funky beats if I rest too long but they almost disappear when I get back to it. Lots of good graphical data to go through. We’ll see what my cardiologist says in a couple of months. So far, so good!

[@keneckert1119]

A topic near and dear to my..... well, you know the rest. Thanks for addressing this subject and the great video. I've been cycling for about 13 years now (started on my 50th birthday). My fitness level increased quite quickly and I was able to ride with groups of strong riders without any problems. About 4 years ago I noticed that my heart rate (HR) -- I always wear a HR monitor which displays on my bike computer-- began to not climb as high as in the past. Over time, I had difficulty getting my HR up to even 100 beats per minute. I thought the problem was with the heart rate monitor but after buying 3 of them and a new bike computer, I finally faced the fact that there may be something wrong. My resting HR at that time was in the mid 40 range but I never had any symptoms or signs of any heart problems. I'm also a former EMT so very aware of the signs and symptoms of heart problems. The summer of 2020, my resting HR was now into the mid 30's range. I was not able to get into my doctor for my annual physical and checkup but when I told them that I suspected a problem with my heart, they took me right in. After numerous EKGs, echocardiograms, MRI, X-Rays and CAT scans, they concluded that I had Bradycardia and what they called Atrial flutter, a pre-cursor to A-Fib. The cardiologist told me that because there were no other symptoms, I should just continue my "normal" activities and let them know if I had any additional symptoms. Because I was preparing to retire to Spain soon after this, I had a second opinion with a similar diagnosis. Both doctors told me that they often treat Bradycardia with a pacemaker but before they did that he wanted to try a "cardioversion". This is where they shocked my heart to try and restore normal atrial rhythm. After two shocks, (no, I wasn't awake for this) I returned to the same atrial flutter. Since I was still working with good health insurance, I decided to have the pacemaker put in. They also did an ablation at the same time. Recovery was smooth and didn't really cause me any inconvenience. After 3 months my checkups revealed a small amount of Atrial flutter still existed so I elected to have another ablation which restored my heart to normal rhythm with the pacemaker. For any other cyclists with a pacemaker, I strongly recommend doing some research on the brand and model. Mine, a Medtronics model, works great but only increases HR based on movement through it's internal accelerometer. When I ride up hills, it doesn't sense enough movement to let my HR increase sufficiently and I therefore "run out of gas" (or O2) quickly going uphill. Boston Scientific makes a model that increases HR based on respiratory rate which, in my opinion, would be a better choice for cyclists. Now in Spain, I struggled for a while to find a cardiologist who could make the correct set of adjustments to allow my HR to increase while cycling. I think I'm dialed in about right now but it took almost 2 years to get this right. I don't cycle extremely hard these days but can now climb hills with an average group of intermediate riders without being dropped. As your video suggests, I'll keep riding and doing additional exercises for the health benefits.

[@Killroy76]

Around Christmas I noticed at Zwift that my heart rate was too high and very volatile. Also the W/Kg that I normally achieve were not happening and a diagnose from the Doctor confirmed an arrythmia. The cardiologist informed me that this is quite common among cyclists. I think it is caused by intensive training in combination with a Corona Infection that my family (except me - no symptoms) went through in December. Later in January I received a Cardioversion. After slowly getting back again and training at ease in Z1 I am now back at where I want to be. I will not attack KOM or try to improve my PR in Zwift anymore. Don’t wanna go through that again. Exercising in Z1 and Z2 with lees stess is much more fun. Thank you for this video!

[@pukki34]

Probably more due to the covid jabs

[@gcn]

Good to hear that you're getting back into it! Keep it up 💪

[@donross7820]

You might want to see my note regarding competition and how to avoid AF.

[@andrewbird57]

I cycle to help my heart. I'm 66 and am plagued with coronary artery disease, my three main coronary arteries are stented. Fortunately, because I've kept my cholesterol low with a vegan diet and I've never smoked, my heart muscle is strong and now that the blood is flowing normally through my stented arteries, I'm able to engage in vigorous exercise. I live in CA next to a 35-mile-long bike trail in Sacramento and I can cycle year-round. Cycling is paramount to keeping me fit, and the fitter I am the better it is for my heart. Keeping my weight down is crucial to slowing the build-up of plaque in my arteries. I usually only do 20 miles on a ride, but some times I'll do 35 miles. I try to ride 4-5 times per week.

[@GogglesTyresandTrainers]

Very interesting, I've had a Cardiac MRI for a few issues including palpitations, I was told it could be a number of things including athletes heart, I had the results Friday and they are all clear.. my results consistent with those of Si. Fantastic job on raising the awareness of this important subject.

[@gcn]

Thanks very much. Glad you found it useful and that you're doing ok!

[@michaelsrealm9365]

This is consistent with my experience in training high intensity efforts. I had a short period of exercise induced supraventricular tachycardia. I am 51, riding for over 30 years. Other than mild atherosclerosis of my heart vessels, I am not restricted by my cardiologist.

[@RGentil123]

Great advices from experts!

[@davidfraser1779]

Interesting segment- i am 63 , age grouper, and was referred to cardiologist last fall. had the test done, now waiting on results, and found this clip helpful and informative. - my spouse likes to have an evening glass of red wine to drink , but after watching this video -> no more alcohol for me. so much for the benefits of red wine.

[@mlaw1983]

Love this type of thoughtful and informative content. Thank you, and keep it up!

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@flurblewibble7735]

Superb production and information. First class.

[@radtoyz]

Currently in my 40ies, been cycling for 25 years. Developed afib about 8 years ago. It slowly got worse and reached an alarming state about 18 months ago, forcing me to stop cycling. It had brought other conditions with it such as flutter and super ventricular tachycardia which caused my heart rate to occasionally spike at +220 BPM for up to 20 minutes. The highest my heart rate was measured at was 280 PBM. Had an ablation a year ago and have been afib free ever since, improving my quality of life tremendously. If you suspect you have afib, get it checked out now.

[@chipdean6009]

I had my first episode of SVT a little over a year ago. I'm having an ablation done next month and keeping my fingers crossed for the same results you got. Bikes have been a part of my life since I first pushed off the side of a hill and took my first pedal strokes almost 50 years ago. I can't imagine a life without cycling being a part of it.

[@davehollingworth5537]

Great stuff getting this expert opinion. Thank you. 🎉

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@neilashton9459]

There is a certain irony that while watching this KZbin served up an ad for a coffee liqueur - go figure. Someone else mentioned the book “The Haywire Heart” (2018) which is an exhaustive treatise on the subject so a bit surprising it wasn’t referenced as the detail is fantastic and they cover all the symptoms - A-fib is the most coomon but is not the only danger. Authors include a cardiologist who cycles and Lennard Zinn from Velonews who had a well known Tachycardia diagnosis that changed his life.

[@MrJohnsink]

Cracking video! Love the stuff you guys do. Keep it up. 👌👍👍❤️

[@endcensorship874]

If my cardiologist told me today “cycling is gonna kill you, your heart is working overtime” I wouldn’t stop, and I’d be happy knowing when the time comes for my heart to explode, it’ll be doing the thing I love the best and I just hope it’s on the summit of a big climb.

[@drillpenguin]

Great video. I'm a 38 year old UK NHS GP who cycles to work to maintain my mental health predominantly. I was a decent cat c zwift racer / sprinter until a few months ago when I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with a dilated left atrium. There seems to be a relative lack of data on exercise advice given such a common condition (we think 1:500), but for now i'm going to continue my z2/z3 commutes as it keeps me sane! 'As long as I'm riding a bike I know I'm the luckiest guy in the world'

[@Buzzard1968]

I'm a 55 year old cyclist, my brother was a 57 year old cyclist. We have both exercised all our lives, a lot of it together. We were training to cycle tour the Routes des Grandes Alpes last summer but my brother died suddenly at home a week before we were due to start. What I would have liked to have known from the medical team was their opinion on the rise in sudden deaths and the thousands of excess deaths worldwide happening every week that are not related to covid. Some notable elite cyclists and other athletes have died suddenly too. The numbers are way over the normal and nobody is doing anything about it or asking the questions.

[@elefantrising]

Can you please share a couple of examples of elite athletes dying suddenly their names and times of deaths as I would like to research that. Thank you

[@MrMorgsan]

This touched me on point - i recently developed atrial fibriliation after a prolonged period of increasing amount of cycling. I'm currently being treated for the condition and this is really useful information that i will pass on to my physician.

[@lucianoalves2620]

Parabéns a GCN, sempre trazendo informações importantes no esporte sobre Bike.

[@frazergoodwin4945]

Great content - and if Mark isn't doing himself heart harm via exercise then we can all worry rather less about own efforts. Good too to hear a more rounded idea of health too than just cardiac functionality - skeletal muscular health, mental health, etc. etc.

[@stevegreene9149]

In my case, I was riding 300-450km weekly at high intensity (Mark tends to be at lower intensity, but much further!) and I have had multiple AF episodes. I am led to believe that endurance riding at low intensity is healthier than the high intensity / overtraining that I was unwittingly doing!

[@ethangodridge6833]

Thanks. Great and informative video.

[@Zozzle12]

Very interesting. I'm 75 and have been racing and training since I was 14. When age 68 I had "burning trachea" feeling when doing winter roller intervals . Diagnosis via angiogram - 95 % blockage of the LAD artery. I had a heart bypass done April 2016. A heart scan showed a dilated left atrium. So all that was nearly 7 years ago. In that time I developed a-fib, for which I had a cardioversion done two weeks ago. A success! But just last week a-fib returned. I was devastated. Everyone should read the book "The Haywire Heart". Written by cycling cardio electro Docs who also developed heart problems. Total credibility!! I wish I could be part of the study they talked about in the vid but I'm in Canada.

[@kevwolfe61]

There are now a few studies that show long term endurance athletes have more calcified plaques in their coronary arteries on CT scan than adults who exercise more moderately. I am a cardiologist and there is no question that hard endurance endeavours are not necessarily protective against coronary disease. Perhaps you could pursue this in a future video

[@Iunio92]

Excellent video, even though personally thinking about this sort of stuff makes me feel extremely ill 😅 it's important information and it pays to know as much about your body as possible for a longer, healthier life

[@federicosbetta1368]

In Italy it's mandatory for anybody taking part in any level of competition, to do an annual heart checkup where you are monitored during a ramp test and it's recovery fase. I think that saved a lot of lives and I advocate a lot for that system.

[@thelastgreatdevolutionary1044]

Go Italy so sensible

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

I survived a stroke and a bypass surgery, lost 45 lb , 22 K, I play tennis , and I bike 50 K a day ( 3 times a wk ) and I found biking helps my heart ❤️ and my lungs 🫁, endurance , but too much of it and I can feel the pain in my muscles , so don’t overdo it ! When I can’t bike any more I just walk … Moderation.! 😊

[@x9lp4hh]

Interesting subject…thanks to the team at U Leicester for their time!

[@KLeBoutillier]

Great video. Heart health is something I think about when I'm kicking up a hill on my bike in humid heat. With this video in mind, think I'll schedule a workup to check.

[@someinconsequentialusernam7799]

Personally, I’d be more worried about hydration in high humidity scenarios. I’ve passed out - literally - twice, and almost a third time, but I recognized the symptoms and got down low before I fell over. And in those cases, it was long rides, high hills, high humidity, and evidently not enough liquid intake. It’s almost like you can’t drink too much on hot days. Stay safe out there.

[@gavinburke2572]

great content - am diabetic and have a history of heart conditions in the family so certainly always on my mind

[@yepyep6916]

Great content…also the training, aging, and adaptation has cumulative effect. Usually, we all start to feel the negative effects in our 40s. Also, in your 40’s you still can push through tough training sessions…when you hit your 50’s your body will place more limits on your training.

[@emilvaradi9393]

Very good and useful stuff. BIG thank you.

[@darrencharles4300]

great video, more of this type of video please

[@PistonCalfMark]

An excellent and informative video, I'm always conscious about the effect on my heart after I suffered a cardiac arrest in 2020. I still ride, but much more caution of extreme heart rate. I've been advised by my cardiologist to keep it up as the benefits of exercise outweigh not exercising. Great content

[@gcn]

Glad you found it informative!

[@paolinamangadasheva6525]

Did you ever found out what was the reason for your cardiac arrest?

[@markbooth6745]

Brilliant video guys, was very interesting. And reassuring. ❤😃👍

[@Edders574]

nice to know the heart experts are on my doorstep

[@waywardchildcyclist]

Great video guys this is information that’s invaluable to us older generation. More of same please

[@elitebicycleracers]

Atrial fibrillation (discussed in Mark's Results section) is a good topic for cyclists to be aware of. I am an amateur competitive cyclist for the past 15-20 years and had an episode of A-fib just after the new year. Fortunately got it back into normal rhythm pretty quickly with meds that I have since tapered off of, and did lots of diagnostics w/a cardiologist to ensure the overall heart health is OK. But it's good to be aware of this and what symptoms to look for b/c as cyclists in good cardio health we may let our guards down for stuff like that. Am interested to see where the research goes on cycling and A-fib that the docs in this video discussed.