Cycling with a mechanical heart valve
Cycling with a mechanical heart valve
I have had a mechanical heart valve fitted as a result of aortic stenosis. It has not really restricted my cycling but I have been advised to not continue to race on time trials. I wonder if there are any members who may have had similar heart surgery and if that has restricted their cycling. Also if their cardiologist has advised any restrictions on what they can do regarding cycling. There appears to be conflicting advice on-line on what amount of strenuous exercise should be undertaken with after replacement hear surgery.
Re: Cycling with a mechanical heart valve
Hi Tom,
Mine's a mechanical valve, in since 2002, for the same reason as you. If you see the reply I gave in the Hole in the Heart thread down below, that says most of it.
I'm not a TT'er, just a pootler round the countryside, but hills make me sweat, and certainly raise my heart rate. But the valve hasn't broken yet, and everything else has seems to have held together up to now!! The surgeon's only advice on leaving hospital was "drink the best red wine you can afford, it's good for you," and that was it!
In the light of current Ebike shenanigans, having a mechanical valve could be seen as cheating!?! So watch your step!!!
Mine's a mechanical valve, in since 2002, for the same reason as you. If you see the reply I gave in the Hole in the Heart thread down below, that says most of it.
I'm not a TT'er, just a pootler round the countryside, but hills make me sweat, and certainly raise my heart rate. But the valve hasn't broken yet, and everything else has seems to have held together up to now!! The surgeon's only advice on leaving hospital was "drink the best red wine you can afford, it's good for you," and that was it!
In the light of current Ebike shenanigans, having a mechanical valve could be seen as cheating!?! So watch your step!!!
Re: Cycling with a mechanical heart valve
Here's a link to the thread Hole in the heart recovery post surgery.
There are some other threads that have various things about heart health, or post 'event' recovery. They aren't directly applicable, but they may have something helpful, or at least inspiring
Implanted cardioverter defibrillators
Devastated! Heart Attack at 59. Former fitness gone forever?
There are some other threads that have various things about heart health, or post 'event' recovery. They aren't directly applicable, but they may have something helpful, or at least inspiring
Implanted cardioverter defibrillators
Devastated! Heart Attack at 59. Former fitness gone forever?
“In some ways, it is easier to be a dissident, for then one is without responsibility.”
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
― Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
Re: Cycling with a mechanical heart valve
Thanks for the link and responses. I have had my mechanical valve for 26 years (average life is about 20 years) and it is now leaking and will need replacement. I do struggle a bit going up hills with breathing and a very increased heart beat... not sure if that is due the valve now leaking or my own fitness. Seeing my cardiologist next month so will find out if I have to hang up my wheels for a while until I have the op. I have had more problems with taking warfarin and resulting haematomas than with the valve.