Todays question from me is ...

[bmwted]

First of all why is it if your going to get bad news it always arrives in the post on a Saturday !

This morning I got a letter, who I am seeing this coming week , informing me that the result of my echocardiogram shows that I have a Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction but with no regional wall motion abnormality.

So my question is should I be overly concerned and given I cycle 20 - 30 miles a week does anyone feel that I would be foolish to continue to do this.

Until now and receiving this diagnosis I have been convinced that my cycling has been a good rather than bad thing for my health.

I of cause will receive more details from my cardiologist soon but I would be interested to learn from those of you that may also have this of your experiences

and how you have adapted your life style to cope with this condition. Thanks

[NorthantsSteve]

Hi bmwted. I’m afraid I can’t offer anything sensible about your heart situation. But arriving by letter on a Saturday is a perfect example of Finagle’s law of dynamic negatives 😂.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Yes, our lives are ruled by Finagle's, Murphy's and Sod's Laws - sod it!

[bmwted in reply to MichaelJH]

Seemed to have lived by Sods Law all my life Michael.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to bmwted]

I am not sure what law applied to me! One day I got a phone call out of the blue asking me if I wanted to go privately for my bypass. I had been expecting a date for stents but a MDT meeting decided to refer me for a bypass. The letter advising me of this arrived some days later. I would really have liked to either have had an appointment or a phone call from my cardiologist first!

[bmwted in reply to MichaelJH]

Definitely not the way to receive the news Michael. Hopefully your doing fine now 👍

[bmwted in reply to NorthantsSteve]

Hi Steve Thanks for replying . Having just looked it up I think you are right. Still if that is the case Mondays must definitely be good days then. Ted

[JulianM]

My first transthoracic echocardiogram was just over a year ago, when I volunteered for a sports cardiology research project. They did an exercise assessment on me (ECG, blood pressure, O2 consumption on a fixed bike while ramping up the intensity) and, when they found a completely unexpected condition, were able to give me definite advice on what I could and could not safely do. This has been invaluable. Among other findings, I do have Grade 1 diastolic dysfunction in my left ventricle, but this is normal for my age (59) and not a concern; systolic dysfunction may be more serious, but I'd still be asking, 'how bad, what level?' - it may only be very mild. Ask them directly for advice on exercise, there may be local people, possibly in their rehab team, who they can refer you to for assessment. I would be extremely surprised if they wanted you to stop: generally, it's best to stay with exercise, even increase it if you can, but keep it at a moderate or low intensity until advised otherwise. What you're doing, unless it's mountain biking up hills or in a velodrome, sounds like it should be fine. I'm not a doctor, but am qualified as a fitness instructor and personal trainer ... hope this is helpful.

[bmwted in reply to JulianM]

Thank you so much for your advice Julian I really cannot express how grateful I am to receive it and I definitely will ask the question you suggest.

I have just returned from a 23 mile bike ride Strava Ted Edwards and although not very fast and it was comparatively flat but I felt no I'll effects during or now after the ride. With regards to you not being a medical practitioner I honestly believe that they do not have all the answers and experiences such as yours are an asset to whoever maybe seeking advice. Thanks again Ted

[Alison_L]

Yep, I got an appointment for an echo in the post yesterday. All very well, but I need to have an angioplasty before I have the echo, and haven't heard a word about that!

[bmwted]

Sorry to read this Alison. I have other health issues apart from my heart going on which I won't bore you with but like what's happened to you there just doesn't seem to be any joined up thinking by those in control. How soon is your echo appointment.