General Cycling Discussion - Echocardiagram

Today, I was at the doctor, requesting for a referral to go to the hospital for a echocardiagram. The reason was that I do not want to die of sudden death, a heart-related problem that could show no symptoms at all. It is especially dangerous when doing intensive workouts. However, that doctor did not want to refer me by writing a letter for me to see a specialist, I wasted 4 bucks on that.

Luckily, I went to the hospital's website to check if I can get the echocardiagram. Then, I was offered the echocardiagram thru a cardiovascular assessment. I am very glad and will be going for the echocardiagram.

Anyway, echocardiagram is the usage of ultrasound to see the heart and can determine the size and I think the various tissues. Thus, you can see if there is any abnormalities which could cause sudden death. What are your views and anyone been to the echocardiagram before?

I'm afraid to leave my house.

You have a very active imagination.

I hope you live. :)

Originally posted by oxologic
Today, I was at the doctor, requesting for a referral to go to the hospital for a echocardiagram. The reason was that I do not want to die of sudden death, a heart-related problem that could show no symptoms at all.
Does your family have a history of cardiovascular related problems? How old are you?

Most people usually don't worry about these things unless they have a family history or until they are older.

I'm 57 and my doctor encourages me to ride. Says I'm much healthier than most of his "over 40" patients. :D

I think I had one. Is that the deal where they stick these tape things and wires all over your chest? I don't remember much about it, but it was harmless :)

Originally posted by Natophelia
I think I had one. Is that the deal where they stick these tape things and wires all over your chest? I don't remember much about it, but it was harmless :)
No, that is an electrocardiogram.
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound, kinda like what they use on a pregnant woman to "see" the fetus.
The doctor uses the images to assess the contition of your heart, valves, etc.

I don't know much about echos. It is not one of my skills. However, no medical professional will put complete faith in one test. You need to account for family & personal history, blood lab values, dietary habits, EKG, serial blood pressure readings, as well as clinical findings.

I was once in the ER when a 25 year old was having an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). He was going to live to probably have another later in his life. I asked the cardiologist about prevelence of heart attacks in people of this age range. He said there is nothing unique about this age group. It is a rare event, but no more now than it was 50 years ago.

He also added that bad luck and bad living contributed to the event. You need to have both bad luck and bad living, not one or the other, both are required.

well that would make sense then! thanks..

A friend of mine that is an officer in the Virginia division of fish and game, i.e. outdoors a lot and active, had a lot of those kind of tests. They told he was in perfect health. And by the way, he looked (still does) like he's in great shape. A couple of months later they rushed him in for a multiple bypass. Life is a gamble so stop worring and ride.

Joe
:beer:

Oxo,

You don't say much about what "symptoms" caused your concerns about a sudden death from heart related conditions.

I've had echocardiograms, and need to be monitored and checked again. But the kinds of heart failure most associated with "sudden death" are often discovered using electrocardiograms. (Sinus/rhythm problems).

However, if you are really concerned about your heart's health under load, then a "stress-echocardiogram" is warranted.

Of particular interest would be an assessment of capillary perfusion of the left-ventricle as well as the determination of healthy versus unhealthy hypertrophy of the ventricle's wall.

If your heart is incompetent in some respect, it will let you know------ usually without killing you...

Have a nice day!

Actually, there is no actual symptoms that cause any concern. However, since there is no family history that they train actively, I'm afraid my heart might not take it the way I'm training.

Sometimes, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Originally posted by oxologic
Actually, there is no actual symptoms that cause any concern. However, since there is no family history that they train actively, I'm afraid my heart might not take it the way I'm training.

Sometimes, it is better to be safe than sorry.

But you are already training that way! So it's ok.
I know I go to Dr.s regulary - every time I'm carried in.

Joe
:beer:

oxologic,
I have had chest pain which resulted in an angiogram in 94. Heart problems have run in my family. Since then, I have had other tests including treadmill stress tests and thallium stress tests. I've had an echocardiogram as well. My physician and I are working aggressively to reduce my cholesterol and increase my hdl.
I'm currently riding 60~75 miles a week. I'm eating oatmeal 2x's a day since it sticks with me so long for more than one reason. I've been able to change my cholesterol, reduce my weight and occurrences of mild chest pain. I don't have to carry nitros with me anymore!!
If there is anything wrong, an ekg will pick up any problems. An ekg uses 12 different electrical "pictures" of your heart and can identify problems quickly. It really is the first place to start.

I work in the medical field and used to transcribe ekg's after cardiologists read the ekg.

If you're worrying about the way you're training, then I would discuss your training techniques with your doctor. I understand wanting to push yourself to get better, but not at the expense of your health.

Filark

If you are having no symptoms, why limit yourself to just your heart? Physical stress can cause all sorts of malfunctions. You could have a stroke, or a pulmonary embolism. Or you could get hit by a bus or fall off the trainer and break your neck. It's much wiser to make a suit out of bubble wrap and have yourself carried around on a stretcher.

Seriously, if you have risk factors for heart disease -- you're seriously overweight, you smoke, your cholesterol is high, you're a diabetic, you're an older male -- then it would make sense to be examined before starting serious training. In the absence of risk factors, you're no more likely to have heart problems than any other health risk.

Additionally, there is no one test that reveals everything. Believe me, I know: I've had 4 myocardial infarctions (heart attacks); I've had 10 angiograms, several of which led to stent implants and angioplasties. And yet most cardio tests reveal no problems with my heart, because they aren't designed to diagnose coronary artery disease.

Start with a routine checkup with your doctor. Explain your training goals and ask if there are any reasons for concern. But don't borrow trouble; you could make a career out of looking for unknown maladies that there's no real reason to believe you suffer from.

RichC