Originally Posted by
bpcyclist
So, there are many reasons most of us ride and one of them is for health, physical and mental. But unfortunately , in our general age group (I am 55), cardiovascular disease can become an issue. Exercise is obviously very good for the cardiovascular system. But all the exertion that comes with a hard ride also does, to a certain extent, increase the risk of a cardiac event in those susceptible. Personally, if I die on my bike, I will be a happy man. My question is, given the potential heart risks and given age, do you ever worry while you are riding that you are working too hard? Like, dangerously hard? Do you ever back off a little because of that? I ask this because, the other day, I was on a quite tough climb and I was really, really working and it suddenly occurred to me--hey, you may be in good cycling shape, but you're not 30 anymore. Maybe you should chill out.
I kept going. But it got me to wondering whether I was the only older fella who ever thinks about these things. If so, how does it figure into your riding? Just wondering. Thanks for your thoughts.
I think about it all the time under the same circumstance and for the same reason. Even though I've never had any heart issues, I know there's no guarantees. Heart failure can happen to anyone, anytime at any age even when you feel you're in good condition.
Sometimes I'm toiling along really pushing it on those climbs or racing the transit to the next stop, and then suddenly have to remind myself I"m no spring chicken and back off.
Funny story: I try not to be a hypochondriac, but one night not too long ago I woke up in the middle of the night with a chest pain I believed was a heart attack. It really felt like I was being stabbed through the chest. I was preparing to call 911, but needed a glass of water first to clear my throat. Just when I drank the water I felt a pressure release and the pain went away. I realized it was gas. Take care of yourself.