Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Fifty Plus (50+)
Reload this Page >

Do You Worry About Your Heart?

Notices
Fifty Plus (50+) Share the victories, challenges, successes and special concerns of bicyclists 50 and older. Especially useful for those entering or reentering bicycling.

Do You Worry About Your Heart?

Old 10-24-19, 08:24 PM
  #1  
bpcyclist
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Portland
Posts: 1,115
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 451 Post(s)
Liked 364 Times in 227 Posts
Do You Worry About Your Heart?

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.
bpcyclist is offline  
Old 10-24-19, 08:40 PM
  #2  
fly135
Senior Member
 
fly135's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 150

Bikes: iZip E3 Peak DS, Magnum Metro, GT Tachyon, K2 Sidewinder

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times in 21 Posts
Although this isn't directly relevant to your question, I was listening to an article on the radio talking about top tier cyclists needing to have a HR monitor with an alarm while they sleep. Apparently their resting HR is so low that they can die in their sleep. When their HR drops too low the alarm goes off and they have to start exercising to increase their HR.

I'm relatively new to biking and ride a torque sensing mid drive ebike that allows me to get just the exercise I want. Although I am very athletic for my age (63), I'm not a fan of stressing my heart too much. I have no real scientific reason behind it. Just a gut feeling that it isn't as good for your general health as many might think.
fly135 is offline  
Old 10-24-19, 08:55 PM
  #3  
zacster
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Brooklyn NY
Posts: 7,680

Bikes: Kuota Kredo/Chorus, Trek 7000 commuter, Trek 8000 MTB and a few others

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 22 Post(s)
Liked 448 Times in 352 Posts
I started wearing an HR monitor a few years ago, not because I was worried but so I see my effort. That was OK at the time, but now I use it to keep myself from pushing too hard. When I get up around 180 I figure that's enough, and usually my legs thinks so too. But I've hit 190 too, and that was just too high. As long as I recover normally I know I'm OK, and so far that's always been the case. It's hard to let go, but I try to stay under 175 now, and that'll go down over the coming years. I'm 64 now for reference. Oh, and given my age and the numbers I just threw out that calculator just doesn't work for me. What is it? 220 - your age? That would be 156 and that is just a steady tempo pace. I'm no natural athlete either, in fact the opposite.

So when going up a hill I usually go as hard as I can, but if the HR goes over 180 I let up, and the HR always goes over 180 if I push it. On the flats I only would go that high if I sprint and hold it.
zacster is online now  
Old 10-24-19, 08:57 PM
  #4  
Biker395 
Seat Sniffer
 
Biker395's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,610

Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport

Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 935 Post(s)
Liked 1,948 Times in 556 Posts
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 know what you mean. I definitely think about it sometimes. But:

1. I don't really push it that hard ... even in endurance races. I pace myself.

2. I've had a lot of tests. I recommend a CT angiogram with contrast to check out the status of your cardiac arteries. I've had EKGs up the wazoo. I've been part of some cardiac clinical trials. I've had several echocardiograms to confirm that my heart was not enlarged and that all the valves were working the way they should.

If you're really concerned, get a complete cardiac workup ... then put your mind at ease.
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...

Biker395 is offline  
Likes For Biker395:
Old 10-24-19, 09:06 PM
  #5  
big john
Senior Member
 
big john's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,028
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8147 Post(s)
Liked 8,800 Times in 4,368 Posts
I'm 65 and a little overweight. I ride 13-15 hours per week and climb about 300,000 feet per year. I never check my hr while riding but if I push too hard for too long I feel like crap later. As long as I get rest days I'm ok.
big john is online now  
Likes For big john:
Old 10-24-19, 09:13 PM
  #6  
fly135
Senior Member
 
fly135's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 150

Bikes: iZip E3 Peak DS, Magnum Metro, GT Tachyon, K2 Sidewinder

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times in 21 Posts
I've started to think I should pick up a HR monitor as well. I would like to see what my HR is when I'm pushing it. I've never run into the situation where I feel like crap later. But then again I am riding a ebike. I will ride hard enough to get fairly spent, but never enough to feel like I'm pushing my limits.

Do you guys use the HR chest straps with Bt? They seem fairly cheap and would work with my phone.
fly135 is offline  
Old 10-24-19, 09:21 PM
  #7  
big john
Senior Member
 
big john's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,028
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8147 Post(s)
Liked 8,800 Times in 4,368 Posts
I have a ride coming Saturday with around 5000 feet of climbing in the first 25 miles. On a ride like this I can control myself better than on a fast club ride.
big john is online now  
Old 10-24-19, 09:32 PM
  #8  
CyclingBK
Full Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 249
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 92 Post(s)
Liked 88 Times in 57 Posts
I try to push but just be smart about it and listen to my body. I don’t go so hard that I’m gasping for breath, I make sure my breathing is measured and steady even if breathing faster, or my legs are in too much pain.

I don’t use a hr monitor but will usually check my hr a few minutes after my ride and then maybe an hour later to make sure it’s lowering and normal. For me, using one during the ride would spoil the fun a little ; )
CyclingBK is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 01:14 AM
  #9  
peterws
Senior Member
 
peterws's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Near Lancaster
Posts: 548

Bikes: Carrera Virtuoso and friend

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 129 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 47 Times in 38 Posts
Being a Happy Septo, I'll use the gym a lot more these days. It's stuffed with oldies doin' cardio, weights, etc etc, all at discount subscriptions. Love the Les mills stuff which I've mentioned here. Love going over the hills around my home, and Wales when I'm there. Never feel better than after a hard, short (I hour or less) trip. HR max 145 or so. I never get that high.
But I jus' wonder who'll be first in the queue if ever I need mouth to mouth . . .
peterws is offline  
Likes For peterws:
Old 10-25-19, 01:15 AM
  #10  
OldTryGuy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,599

Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser

Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1062 Post(s)
Liked 769 Times in 498 Posts
Should I have worried and cooled my jets because 20 years ago my first ECHO revealed 3 leaky heart valves? ---- nah

Should I have worried and cooled my jets back in 2011 because my low HR set off the HR Monitor when I was in the ER following my bicycle crash? --- nah

Should I have worried and cooled my jets because my heart rate when hooked up for my Pre-Op ECG prior to the removal of the right half of my thyroid back in 2013 was 32bpm? --- nah

Should I have worried and cooled my jets because my heart rate when hooked up for my Pre-Op ECG prior to my surgery for Prostate cancer in 2015 was again 32bpm? --- nah

If I had worried and cooled my jets, this 69yo geezer would not have had the tremendous fun I had all those years because now I'm a crappy rider compared to those days thanks to my cancer screwing up my riding abilities.

Play to the max while you can, 'cause you never know. Worry if you must since you never know. Different strokes for different folks.

Last edited by OldTryGuy; 10-25-19 at 02:42 AM.
OldTryGuy is offline  
Likes For OldTryGuy:
Old 10-25-19, 03:01 AM
  #11  
Machka 
In Real Life
 
Machka's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152

Bikes: Lots

Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 595 Times in 329 Posts
Given that I've got 2 damaged valves and arrhythmia, and have had since I was 4 when I developed Rheumatic fever, I do worry about my heart now and then.
Machka is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 03:53 AM
  #12  
Sasquatch16
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: South Eastern PA
Posts: 199
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Originally Posted by fly135
Although this isn't directly relevant to your question, I was listening to an article on the radio talking about top tier cyclists needing to have a HR monitor with an alarm while they sleep. Apparently their resting HR is so low that they can die in their sleep. When their HR drops too low the alarm goes off and they have to start exercising to increase their HR.

I'm relatively new to biking and ride a torque sensing mid drive ebike that allows me to get just the exercise I want. Although I am very athletic for my age (63), I'm not a fan of stressing my heart too much. I have no real scientific reason behind it. Just a gut feeling that it isn't as good for your general health as many might think.
Not sure what you were listening but this was brought up in the movie about Pantini back when EPO first became popular. Blood was so thick that heart would stop while sleeping so they would have to wake up and ride the trainer.
Sasquatch16 is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 04:07 AM
  #13  
Greenhil
Full Member
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Central Vermont
Posts: 247

Bikes: 2018 Kona Rove NRB, 2121 Kona Libre

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 82 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times in 26 Posts
Using the monitors on the equipment at the gym for many years now has given me a pretty good ability to guestimate my heart rate and it’s never as high when I’m biking. Even a long steep climb doesn’t have the same effect on my heart rate as intervals on the elliptical, pushing hard on a rowing machine, or running on an incline. I’ll keel over in the gym long before I will on a bike, which is what passes for “comforting” at my age.
Greenhil is offline  
Likes For Greenhil:
Old 10-25-19, 05:47 AM
  #14  
berner
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bristol, R. I.
Posts: 4,340

Bikes: Specialized Secteur, old Peugeot

Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 663 Post(s)
Liked 496 Times in 299 Posts
As has been said, a person has to know their limitations. It does not seem wise to go full throttle over the course of a lifetime. Any devise that is operated at that level will fail well before its normal life span. This applies to people also. To push the engine a bit keeps life interesting and fun but a steady diet of fun is likely to end the party too soon.
berner is offline  
Likes For berner:
Old 10-25-19, 07:09 AM
  #15  
BobbyG
Senior Member
 
BobbyG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 5,955

Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Nishiki Blazer, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1357 Post(s)
Liked 1,655 Times in 819 Posts
BobbyG is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 07:25 AM
  #16  
rydabent
Senior Member
 
rydabent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,920

Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II

Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3344 Post(s)
Liked 1,054 Times in 634 Posts
Im 81, ride about 25 miles every other day. My blood pressure runs right at 122 over 67. My resting heart rate is about 60. Why should I worry? Worry is useless and only give you ulcers.
rydabent is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 07:37 AM
  #17  
eja_ bottecchia
Senior Member
 
eja_ bottecchia's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,793
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1020 Post(s)
Liked 462 Times in 292 Posts
I have seven coronary stents. I also have diabetes. Both of these things increase my risk for a cardiac event.

I have taken steps to minimize the risk. My BP is normal and my cholesterol level is below 100.

I eat a heart friendly diet, get plenty of rest and minimize stress (although in my profession that’s is not always easy).

I ride over 6K miles a year with plenty of climbing.

I don’t overly worry about my heart.

Last edited by eja_ bottecchia; 10-25-19 at 07:45 AM.
eja_ bottecchia is offline  
Likes For eja_ bottecchia:
Old 10-25-19, 07:43 AM
  #18  
indyfabz
Senior Member
 
indyfabz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 38,963
Mentioned: 210 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18269 Post(s)
Liked 15,185 Times in 7,172 Posts
Sometimes I wonder if and when my mechanical heart valve will need to be replaced. That would suck.
indyfabz is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 07:58 AM
  #19  
skidder
Pennylane Splitter
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 1,868

Bikes: Yes

Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1738 Post(s)
Liked 1,404 Times in 960 Posts
My heart's been broken many times in the last 60 years, but its always recovered.

Seriously, I didn't worry about heart stress until I developed an arrhythmia issue a few years ago (medication controls it quite well). I don't worry about dying because of it, but more about the limitations its placed on me.
skidder is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 08:24 AM
  #20  
GeezyRider 
Senior Member
 
GeezyRider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Delaware Sea Shore
Posts: 518

Bikes: There is always room for one more.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 179 Post(s)
Liked 365 Times in 215 Posts
Assuming the human heart can only beat so many times over a lifetime, it is probably a really bad idea to increase heart rate. Oh to hell with it, I'm still gonna ride.
__________________
Don
GeezyRider is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 09:21 AM
  #21  
JanMM
rebmeM roineS
 
JanMM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
Posts: 16,215

Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 653 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times in 225 Posts
Interesting article about strenuous exercise and the risk of heart attack and cardiac arrest. https://www.health.com/heart-disease...aed-bob-harper
Focus is on folks in exercise facilities, which nowadays have AEDs - and often someone with CPR/AED/first aid training is available.

Tips for cyclists with exercise-related cardiac concerns: Always ride with someone who is CPR-trained. Always carry a charged portable AED. (Lifeline AED weighs about 4 pounds) Always ride within range of a cell tower, in order to call EMS.
(And, discuss your concerns with a healthcare practitioner, as needed.)
Have a nice day and have a nice bike ride!
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer

Last edited by JanMM; 10-25-19 at 09:54 AM.
JanMM is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 09:56 AM
  #22  
caloso
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
I have a history of heart disease in my family: dad, uncle, and their mother all had MI's. I can't do anything about that, but I've managed to limit the other risk factor (don't smoke, don't drink, healthier diet, stress management, weight control, exercise (obviously)). I get a check up every year: numbers are good (actually my PCP says my cholesterol ratio is as good as he's seen). No restrictions from the doc.

So, no. Despite the family history, I don't worry about it.
caloso is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 10:08 AM
  #23  
fly135
Senior Member
 
fly135's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 150

Bikes: iZip E3 Peak DS, Magnum Metro, GT Tachyon, K2 Sidewinder

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times in 21 Posts
Originally Posted by Sasquatch16
Not sure what you were listening but this was brought up in the movie about Pantini back when EPO first became popular. Blood was so thick that heart would stop while sleeping so they would have to wake up and ride the trainer.
It was on NPR. I do recall something about thick blood. Not much beyond that. I just ordered a cheap Bt chest monitor. Curious to see what my HR is doing on a ride.
fly135 is offline  
Old 10-25-19, 10:12 AM
  #24  
big john
Senior Member
 
big john's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,028
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8147 Post(s)
Liked 8,800 Times in 4,368 Posts
Originally Posted by GeezyRider
Assuming the human heart can only beat so many times over a lifetime, it is probably a really bad idea to increase heart rate. Oh to hell with it, I'm still gonna ride.
Why would you assume that?
big john is online now  
Likes For big john:
Old 10-25-19, 10:14 AM
  #25  
Baboo
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Shawnee, KS
Posts: 273

Bikes: Bike Friday NWT, Rans Stratus, Cannondale R500, trek 720 multitrack, Rockhopper

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 35 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times in 22 Posts
I’ve had 4 heart attacks none of them were while exercising. 3 of them were when either sitting down or laying down one was while driving. I was an active bike rider during all of that time, most recent was 2 months ago. I do have coronary artery disease it’s mostly from genetics (high cholesterol). They have occurred at about nine year intervals with no symptoms before the event. The last one was several months after a dye test in the cath. lab that didn’t show a problem that would trigger a repair. For me it’s just a ticking time bomb but I don’t worry about high levels of exercise triggering one.
Baboo is offline  
Likes For Baboo:

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.