Hi All,
This is my first question and quite honestly I'm pretty new (and overwhelmed) about learning of my heart disease. I'm hoping that somebody can offer advice about weightlifting and sprinting for a person with moderate aortic valve leakage. I am 29 years old and for the past 8 years I have lifted very much like an athlete focusing on max strength exercises. I also enjoy sprinting 2-3 times a week, usually for short distance events such as 100m or 200m.
I first discovered about my condition after a routine physical, which I haven't had in ages. I was immediately referred to see a cardiologist and Cardiologist1 diagnosed me with 'severe aortic regurgitation' but said it was ok to continue my strenuous lifting regimen. I sought a second opinion and Cardiologist2 diagnosed me with 'moderate aortic regurgitation'. However, he wants me to exclude heavy lifting and sprinting from my workouts completely. Both cardiologists have an athletic mind set (the first guy played b-ball at Northwestern and the second played b-ball at Duke), so they understand the mind of an athlete.
I'm really confused because isn't weight training supposed to be good for the heart? If I can't lift heavy, how am I supposed to get stronger (or faster)? Part of me believes this advice is precautionary in nature and meant to let me know that a risk is involved. Yet, another part fears that my heavy lifting may be digging my grave with each heavy rep.
I'm clueless to what I should do. I love lifting and it has been a major part of my life. I was curious if anybody could shed some light on athletic training for an individual with heart valve disease?
- Grade 3 diastolic blowing murmur
- Grade 1 short systolic ejection murmur
- No enlargement of thyroid gland or liver; chest and adbomen both cleared
- Blood tests indicate nothing out of range except slightly high LDL at 103
- 45% ejection fraction; aortic root 3.7cm
- no symptoms of pain
Thanks,
Matt