Medical

Coronary Artery Disease

Lesson's learned about heart disease.  (1) why you should never ignore telltale signs of potential heart trouble, and (2) how a consistent cycling program may save your life.

EBT Heart Scan

Here, a cyclist reports on a new type of scan that's being used in heart exams. Sounds promising, but RBR's medical advisor, Andy Pruitt, Ed.D., says it's not the final answer.  Read on.

Ed Burke's Heart Attack

On November 7, 2002, famed cycling physiologist and author Ed Burke died of a heart attack while on a climb during a noon ride. He was 53. He was also our friend for 25 years.  In newsletters No. 69 and 70, we reported that Ed had a family history of heart problems and was battling high blood pressure and cholesterol.  In the months before his fatal attack, he had experienced reduced cycling performance. On rides just days before, he felt inexplicable indigestion. Both are warning signs of heart trouble.

Ed's death brought an outpouring of insightful mail, some of which we're sharing here.

Companion eBooks & eArticles

By Coach Andrew Pruitt, Ed.D.
$14.95

By Alan Bragman, D.C.
$4.99

Performance skills for diabetic cyclists.

By Coach Arnie Baker, M.D.
$4.99

Coronary Considerations

Are Stress Tests Necessary For Apparently Fit Cyclists?

In a RBR newsletter, we looked into the warning signs of heart problems, a topic resulting from the death of famed physiologist Ed Burke, Ph.D., who suffered a fatal heart attack while riding.  We concluded the discussion with a statement by Andy Pruitt, Ed.D., director of the Boulder (CO) Center for Sports Medicine and author of Andy Pruitt's Medical Guide for Cyclists. He also was a close friend of Ed Burke.  

"My philosophy has been that anyone over 45 who exercises intensely should have a 12-lead EKG, max stress test every other year, and more often if there is any history of heart disease," Pruitt said. "Personally, I've had three stress tests in the last six years. Had Ed been on that test schedule, he most likely would still be with us."

Read Andy Pruitts response.

Hip Replacement

In a past newsletter, Coach Fred Matheny asked for personal experiences with joint replacement surgery. We received several positive stories. First, one about hips, then two about knees.

Knee Replacement

Our readers share their experiences with knee replacement surgery.

A Primer on Atrial Fibrillation

It was a warm picture perfect day in early October and a group of us were going to do hill intervals on Pebblebrook Road. This road has about 350-400 feet of steady elevation gain over 2 miles, and is about 10 miles from my home. As I rode to meet the other riders I was having trouble catching my breath and attributed this to mild seasonal allergies and the fact that I had not used my inhaler prior to the ride. As we headed over to do the hill workout at a moderate pace, I was having difficulty keeping up with the group and was feeling lousy. I realized that any type of intense workout would not be possible due to the way I was feeling, and I told the other riders to go ahead while I rode home at a leisurely pace. I seemed to be alright spinning home at an easy pace, when I began experiencing tremendous pressure and pain in my chest with palpitations and difficulty breathing. I took a drink, tried to calm down, and then I began having difficulty staying upright on the bike. I got off the bike and laid down on someone’s lawn, certain this was “The Big One”.  Luckily, it turned out it wasn't.  Read on to learn about the outcome.