Hello and nice to meet you all

Hi

 

Im 47 and from Blackpool UK. I've just had an ICD fitted due to VT heart rhythms and diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Weeks prior to knowing this outcome I was swimming at a competitive level both in pool and open water. I was an active member of a triathlon club and walking the Lake District Wainwright summits. 

I know it's early days, 2 weeks post op, but I'm trying to look what I may be able to do in the future after I get the first 8 weeks out of the way.

I'm trying to understand how beta blockers work to slow heart and prevent dangerous VT rhythm and how  that effects raising heart in excercise. Also trusting the device will recognise the difference and not shock me. The VTs were non sustained and about 4 seconds in length.... would the device just alter the rhythm or after when when it shock me. I had no idea I was in these rhythms before the device as it was the 24 hour monitor which showed them so I probably wouldn't know now either. 

Anyway, advice greatly received about getting back into water, repetitive arm movements, back cycling hiking and running and the effects in the device. 
 

Regards

kirstie 

1 Comments

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

by Selwyn - 2023-12-17 18:13:06

Hello Kirsktie,

I'm just down the road from you in Liverpool. I was in Blackpool last week. So windy! I did enjoy dancing in the Tower Ballroom.  

With regard to exercise, it all depends as to whether your hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is obstructive or not. If the muscle is so big as to block of your heart outflow, there is a risk of sudden death. An echocardiogram will give some idea of risk. I have one every year. I do not have obstruction ( this year), therefore I am OK to exercise. 

If you do have obstruction, then we are talking about the degree and if necessary treatments- such as beta blockers or various types of surgery to reduce the muscle mass. 

I see the Luton Soccer Team captain had a cardiac arrest on the football field this weekend. Luckily for him help was at hand. The same can be said for you. If you need defibrillation, you now have help at hand. The risk is therefore minimised.

You must talk to your cardiologist about  exercise. Only a cardiologist, after examining all the data, can advise you as to the risk of sudden death associated with exercise. Best not to join Luton football club without a full medical.

Welcome to the club you never thought you wanted to belong to. 

 

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