Training while injured or ill

[micdug]

Hi all,

Firstly happy new year to all and may all your dreams come through for 2009.
I read an article in the latest edition of Triathlon 220 and think it is worth bringing its contents to your attention.
It was written by a triathlete who continued to train after contracting a virus.This particular individual suffered a mild heart attack because of his foolishness in doing so.When our heart is pushed and temperature increases this can cause the virus to attack the fibrous sac around the heart.
The point to be made is that as triathletes we can buy into our training regime to the exclusion of all else - even, on occasion, our good sense.It's the "bigger, better, faster, more"syndrome.
I myself am just recovering after a throat infection which required antibiotics.I ceased all training for three weeks and just got back into it four days ago and starting to work the level of training up gradually again.
So our motto should be "TRIATHLON serves HEALTH" and not "Health serves triathlon".

Mick.

[gduffy]

Wise words Mick...

Am in middle of recovery myself at the minute.Very frustrating I have to say...but I will still beat Doug next year !!!

GD

[doug]

Very wise words mick,happy new year to you and every one else to,A lot of doctors now believe that SDS (sudden death syndrome)can be caused when athlete's dont rest up when they are ill altough i found this on the net P.s Gerry is not only in the middle of recovery i think he's in mid life crisis,
Sudden Death Syndrome - SDS
Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is an umbrella term used for the many different causes of cardiac arrest in young people. CRY provides medical information on the most common causes of unexpected sudden cardiac death in the young (35 and under). These conditions include thickening or abnormal structure of the heart muscle and irregularities of the electrical impulses that upset the natural rhythm of the heart.

Sudden Death Syndrome events are defined as non-traumatic, non-violent, unexpected occurrences resulting from cardiac arrest within as little as six hours of previously witnessed normal health.

It is often difficult to consider that someone who is apparently young and fit may be at risk. There have been a number of reported incidents of misdiagnosis culminating in a tragedy that could have been avoided.

Sporty youngsters stress their heart the most. If they have an underlying cardiac abnormality they are more likely to be at risk. Sport itself does not lead to cardiac arrest but it can act as a trigger for a young person to die suddenly by exacerbating an undetected condition.

The majority of young sudden deaths are due to inherited forms of heart muscle disorder and irregular heart beat. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is the most common of these conditions. Research in the USA by Dr. Barry Maron shows that 1 in 500 people have Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy alone - just one of the cardiac conditions we cover.

In the UK unexplained "sudden death" is frequently recorded as due to natural causes. Experts believe that most of these deaths are due to Sudden Death Syndrome. Until the law is changed and coroners have to refer hearts on to specialists we will not know the true figures.

There is a simple way to diagnose most of the abnormalities that can lead to sudden death. This is by having an ECG (electrocardiogram) test. The test is quick, painless and affordable. For extra clarity an echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart) can be taken if necessary.

We recommend ECG screening if there have been any young sudden deaths in the family, or if a young person is suffering from symptoms of:

Chest Pain (Exercise related)

Breathlessness

Palpitations

Dizziness

Fainting




Watch CRY Patron David Walliams have an ECG test


CRY offers subsidised screening (£35 for an ECG) to young people between the ages of 14 and 35. This is through a number of clinics in the UK – in Colchester, Harrow and Jordanstown - and also a mobile screening service.

[micdug]

Hi Doug,

Also very wise words in relation to SDS.However a virus attacking the heart tissue is undetectable at the early stages by which time it is too late and the symptoms begin to surface which are similar to angina.Pain or tightness in the chest and may also have pain radiating down the left or both arms.
In short SDS and Virus attack of the heart are two completely different things and not to be confused.
"DO NOT TRAIN WITH A VIRAL INFECTION" you are most definitely putting yourself at risk of a heart attack.
"If you continue to exercise when you don't feel well, you could end up missing more days of your workout," says Jessie Green, a New York-based personal trainer and dancer. Dr. Stephen J. Nicholas of Lenox Hill Hospital's Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Support agrees, "Working out when ill could lead to very serious problems, including heart disease," he says. "We don't know why, but some viruses that have settled in other parts of the body can move to the heart if you exercise too much." This can cause viral cardiomyopathy, a very serious and sometimes fatal condition that weakens the heart muscle.

Mick.

[Killian]

Ahhh, Doug, what's the story with your icon, are you trying to tell us something ?

[doug]

Yea she's going to carry my bike to lisbon for me....