After the last 10 days of recovery, as well as a chance to better understand the procedure that I went through to manage the Atrial Fibrillation that I have (HAD!), I feel inspired and somewhat obliged to write about what I have had and what I have gone through. I want to preface that I am no cardiologist, so please read this with a view to the intent that it was written…to inspire you to listen to and look after your heart!
What is Atrial Fibrilation?
60 days ago I had an episode (A reoccurrence) of Atrial Fibrillation. Please refer to the blog ‘Hawaii. Not this Year’, for details of what unfolded.
Atrial Fibrillation, sometimes called AFib or AF, is the most common type of heart arrhythmia. Arrhythmias happen when the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly. In AFib, the two upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly. This causes the lower chambers of the heart not to properly fill with blood. While some people with atrial fibrillation experience no or few symptoms, the event can cause palpitations, light-headedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, poor exercise tolerance(ME!), and chest discomfort. Knowing the warning signs can help individuals seek medical attention promptly and avoid complications.
Is the welfare of the heart binary? Once you have heart issues, is it a death sentence?
Absolutely not! Cardiology and our understanding of how to monitor and repair the heart has come ahead in massive leaps and bounds. To add, the data available without actually undertaking any intrusive surgery is AMAZING! As an example, my procedure included a 65” screen displaying multiple data points and visuals, as well as more electrodes than I could count, and all executed by using a 5cm cut to get access to my artery to deliver tools to my heart! Wow!
What did I feel? What caused me to seek professional help?
AFib is comparable to a car running on 1-2 less cylinders than it should. You just don’t feel right. Now, the reality is that AFib won’t kill you. That said, the complications can be dramatic. Because part of your heart is not functioning and pumping correctly, there is a high risk of blood clotting. This in turn stands to create a number of challenges, one being a stroke. Time is your enemy. Knowing this, the first thing I did when I felt out of rhythm was to take 2 aspirins. They act as blood thinners and gave me piece of mind that I would manage the risk of clotting until I got to a professional.
Exercise isn’t always the Answer.
I have put my heart through a lot in my lifetime. 16 Ironman’s, even more half Ironman’s (Stopped counting!), 5 Ocean Channels. I’m not naïve. I know this takes a toll.
In the last 12 months we have seen two of the ‘big 4’ of the Ironman Patriarchs, Dave Scott and Scott Tinley undergo very significant heart operations. There is no doubt that endurance athletes expose themselves to risks and stresses that the heart isn’t necessarily designed for.
So, what’s my point?
All I wanted to reiterate is, you only have one heart. I for one, cannot imagine a life without sport. I have seen the world, met countless friends, raised money, stayed mentally and physically well and active. I know that comes at a cost. I choose to stay active, the same way that I would rather swim in an ocean where there are elements of risk. But, I do so well informed and by mitigating the risks the best I can.
I also wanted to share the video of the explanation from my cardiologist on what I underwent. Truly amazing!
We have an opportunity in this era to be informed. To act. If it doesn’t feel right, get it checked IMMEDIATELY! If you have access to regular checkups, do yourself and your family a favour and exploit every tool and asset available to you. Even something as simple as a small blockage in an artery is detectable today….measurable in percentages! Wow!
What’s Next for me?
I don’t expect any change to my athletic lifestyle. I still plan to swim the remaining 2 of the Oceans 7 swims. I also plan to swim for as long as I possibly can. Why not?
Stay healthy, and as Roxette said, ‘Listen to your Heart!’
Happy Swimming!
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