Anyone else out there training with heart disease?

You're not alone! Unfortunately, I hit the genetic bad luck lottery twice; chronic atherosclerosis (dad died from it at age 70) leading to a stent in 2006 and a weak aortic root that had to be replaced in 2008.

Since then, I have done 6 triathlons, including a HIM in April, and have taken up weightlifting and can do 225# bench press with my wired-shut sternum.

You and I are the fortunate ones. There are way too many Billy Mays and Tim Russert who die of coronary artery disease.

Edited by greyg8r 2009-07-01 7:17 PM

Not the same kind of heart disease, but I got a pacemaker at age 45. I did my first tri a year later. Some parts of the bike are harder because there's a 10 second delay between when I need a faster heart rate and when the pacer kicks in. But I push through it and keep going. I couldn't do anything before the pacer, so I'm happy.

Do you know if they were Gore stents? (I ask because I work for their medical division)

I haven't had heart disease, but I was born with a VSD (ventricular septal defect), a hole between the bottom two chambers of my heart about 9mm in diameter. I had open heart surgery last year to have this repaired, my first tri is coming up in 2 weeks so this is kind of my surgery anniversary present to myself. =)

Wow, my hat's off to all of you -- what you are doing takes a lot of mental fortitude.  I got into training because of type 2 diabetes, which is no fun either, but not nearly as serious as actual heart disease.

Keep up the great work!

You are not alone, MI at 42 nearly one year ago, three vessel disease 100% occlusion, 90% and 80%, three stents later I did my first tri in april my next is 5 weeks away. No family history, was a competitive bodybuilder prior to this. Never let it stop you from achieving your goals whether it is in tris or life.