Diminished Heart Function
December of 2008 when I had my MI, it took me a longer time to accept the fact that my heart function had diminished. I used to be able to push my heart rate to somewhere around 150-160 bpm on the bike. Recently, I’ve noticed that I can barely get to 130bpm on a small hill climb. I’ve asked my cardiologist for an explanation as to why my heart rate does not go above 130bpm and he just told me not to worry about it and mentioned that it might be due to my heart meds. I can still exert an sustainable effort for >3-4 hours of cycling without slowing down – but just not good on hill climbs.
Nuclear Heart Stress Test
When I had my first Nuclear Stress Test right after my MI, I did not know how to interpret the images below. During my 2nd Nuclear Stress test, I did some research beforehand on how to interpret the post stress test images. Normally, the cardiologist will only show you the images very briefly – maybe at most two minutes and does not dwell too much on the explanation. With my limited knowledge about the interpretation of test results, I was able to to take a quick glance of the images [like a spy agent] trying to memorize the images and later did my own interpretation. I discovered that I had a portion of my heart not receiving enough blood flow during the stress test. This means that my heart is not the way as it was before the heart attack at the age of 42 [present, 47]. I now humbly accepted the fact that my heart is never the same as compared to the pre-MI days. Mostly doctors will not openly discuss that type of information because it does not really help the cardiac patient mentally to know that the heart function had diminished or had somewhat lost its ability to work. Doctors only care about how the patient is able to function back to normal life without chest pains or shortness of breath.
Some patients don’t need to know that type of in depth information regarding heart function but being an active person as I am, I should know my body especially my heart function so that I can detect or predict my next MI or coming sign of death because I am not a normal person – I do weird and abnormal activities like a 25 second subsurface swim using 0 breath, or >40Miles bike ride alone every Saturday or 2.4 Mile swim.
Here’s some information regarding Nuclear Stress Test:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/352401-overview#aw2aab6b5
Cardiac-SPECT Information
Below is an example of a Nuclear Test result. You don’t need to know more…it’s just for show and tell for other interested readers. A healthy heart should have the same/or almost the same pre and post stress test images. Note: this is not my the picture of my heart
Beating of my heart!
This entry is not about my previous MI, those are the old story. I took the oath of acceptance already with the fact that I will never be able to get back to my previous fitness level on the bike or much more run a 10K and I should drop my Ironman aspirations. Yes, I can bike 100Miles and swim 2.4Miles at a comfortable pace but at this moment, to even run a mile, my heart rate shoots up to 130bpm and I’m already maxing out. I’ve already accepted the fact that I will remain to be a long distance swimmer and a cyclist and not a runner, I think I can live with that.
I am sharing to everyone my “heart experience” because as you all know – you have one in your chest too.
I want to raise awareness here about how important our heart is, neglecting the health of your heart can mean life or death – meaning – you are in big trouble unless you have good collateral arteries. I’ve been advocating for cardiac knowledge here in this journal since the beginning of this blog and also sharing these stories at work and to everyone who listens and I am really surprised that no one really paying attention about cardio exercise. Some will just say “I exercise but does not really pay attention too much about heart rates” or some people will say “I’m ok, I don’t need to exercise”.
I understand that not everyone has access to heart rate monitors, a bike or swimming pool or a treadmill. But I want to challenge and stir up my readers to at least attempt to raise your heart rate to an “uncomfortable level” daily. It is very important to know that your heart can take up the load at some point. Please don’t wait for a cardiologist to tell you that you really need to do a regular cardio workout. You can start now. Take a brisk walk or run for at least 10 minutes and then later on advance to a longer workout at the same intensity or a bit higher.
It’s not too late to save your heart.
Findings/Observation/Notes:
The Heart Rate table listed below are unique to my body. There is no standard values to compare to, so please don’t compare your data to mine. I am male, 47, long distance cyclist, swimmer and a cardiac patient since age 42.
Tool Box
1. Mio Alpha Strapless Heart Rate Monitor – At Amazon, just by the returned item for half the price.
2. Adidas micoach App on IOS7 – So far, this App serves my needs for now.
Other Resources:
MIO Alpha Review
myheartrateLog-20140331.xlsx
