Roller coasters and Cardiac condition

[Musicw]

I really enjoy going to theme parks and going on a variety of roller coasters which include those that goes upside down.

Now I have a cardiac condition- currently recovering from mitral valve open heart surgery where they were able to successfully fix my mitral valve, I don't want to lose my enthusiasm to go on rollercoasters knowing that I have a cardiac condition.

Nothing will be happening this year and my surgeon has advised me to start off slowly as I'm also on Bisoprolol.

How do you all find going on roller coasters with a cardiac condition?

[BeKind28-]

Hello

Only when I was young did I have no fear of these kinds of things as I got older I did start to fear them so stopped going on them before I had any heart issues however now I have got heart issues personally I would not go on rides like roller coasters but that is just me

Usually and not sure if they still do if rides are not suitable for people with certain health conditions there would be a sign up warning people of this not sure if they still do this and if roller coasters have one or not

I hope you do not have to stop doing what you enjoy but make sure you do get the all clear from your Consultant before you do and let us know how you get on x

[BicuspidBloke in reply to BeKind28-]

I don't do the big roller coaters so don't do the thrill theme parks (they would be a waste of money for me) but I can talk in terms of Disney, if that is any help at all. Apologies if not.

I've done Big Thunder Mountain since my aortic valve replacement with no issues at all. My absolute limit used to be Space Mountain but I don't think I would risk that again. I promised to try Expedition Everest before my op but I'm not sure I would now - I think it would be getting close to my limit and I would rather dial that limit back a bit than take an unnecessary risk. I still intend doing my water rides with the big plummets though.

My advice would be to start small and increase carefully. You'll know when you need to be sensible and not go any further. You may be fine and get up to the thrill levels you used to (you may go beyond that level with a fully functioning healthy heart). Or you may only ever get to 80%. But you will know when to say "nah, not this one, not this time" (and don't let peer pressure or alcohol persuade you otherwise).

[BeKind28- in reply to BicuspidBloke]

Hello

You have replied to me and not the poster but I am sure they will be alerted they have replies on their post so will see it x

[BicuspidBloke in reply to BeKind28-]

Oops, sorry about that.

[BeKind28- in reply to BicuspidBloke]

Hello

No need to be sorry it is fine x

[devonian186]

I am not the best person to ask as I have never liked these things. As an observation I think that most such rides would carry warnings.

You might find it helpful to look at the websites of the big operators such as Alton Towers and see what they say.

[devonian186 in reply to devonian186]

Just looked at Alton Towers. They say this;

"If you have a heart condition, it’s important to be cautious when considering riding roller coasters at Alton Towers. Some rides, especially those with strong magnetic fields or intense thrills, may not be suitable. For example, if you have a pacemaker, you should avoid rides like Wicker Man, Rita, TH13TEEN, The Smiler, and Nemesis Reborn1.

In general, roller coasters can cause rapid spikes in heart rate and blood pressure, which might be problematic for individuals with heart conditions2. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before deciding to go on any thrill rides2.

If you still wish to enjoy the rides, consider starting with milder ones and gradually working your way up, while paying close attention to any signs of discomfort2. Staying hydrated and knowing the location of first aid stations in the park can also be helpful2."

Might be worth looking at the other roller coaster sites to see the consensus and medical opinion. We are all different so I guess you need to go by what your own team advises.

My first reaction is to say is it really worth the risk, but that comes from someone who wouldn't go near these rides if you paid me, so hardly an unbiased opinion. Good luck!?

[Gymlover1979]

I can’t help, but I’ve been wondering the same. I used to love going to theme parks with my children. I had a heart attack in May and now I’m not sure if they should be avoided. Two weeks prior to my heart attack we went to Thorpe park and went on 21 rollercoasters or thrill rides. Now I wonder if that had an impact!!!!

[TheBesty]

I asked my cardiac specialist if i can go back on rollercoasters with heart failure... Ive got no gadgets implanted, EF of 31%... She said yes, but recommended I start on the smaller coasters first to see how it feels with my medication. I want to go on the new Hyperia rolller coaster at Thorpe park... Buzzzzzz

[MoretonCross]

I wouldn't dream of it.

[Jako999]

I’ve had HT and a quad GABG and we used to go to Florida a lot just for the theme parks and all the really big coasters, I never held on😁😳😵‍💫

Now my cardiologist has said NO it’s not wise. I suppose their right all that new pipe work banging around and heart rate and blood pressure changes can’t be good for me. It’s very sad 😩😩

[Choccie55]

I would get advice from your cardiologist. Most rides say you shouldn’t go on with a heart condition. Personally I would not take the risk.