Cyclists' hearts: Why elite cyclists die in their sleep (7 min video)

[ianrauk]

Well, I'm the most in elite cyclist ever, so should live to be 150.

Never knew you cycled

 

[Slick]

Dopers? Not uncommon amongst such sports.

I know it's not uncommon in other sports, but have yet to hear of one in recent times involving the premature death of the players. I also know, that doesn't mean there hasn't been any, but a genuine question if it was ever a suggestion with such cases.

 

[jefmcg]

I also have a habit of stopping breathing for long periods of time during sleep.

Should I be worried ?

Yes! Sleep apnea is a very serious condition, that is amenable to treatment. See your GP for referral to nearby sleep clinic.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I know it's not uncommon in other sports, but have yet to hear of one in recent times involving the premature death of the players. I also know, that doesn't mean there hasn't been any, but a genuine question if it was ever a suggestion with such cases.

I have heard it spoken of, and remember reading about the issue, in the specialist rugby (union) press reporting.

Not saying you think this, but anyone, especially any rugger bugger, who thinks every bulked-up union player on the planet gets that way purely by through free-weights, salad and mineral water is kidding themselves.

 

[Ajax Bay]

Miguel Indurain's resting heart rate. Cycling (magazine):"It seems only right to begin by discovering some truths behind the legendary figure, starting with that 28bpm resting heart rate. Is it true?"
'Some of the stories are true and some of them are a little bit exaggerated,’ says Indurain. ‘Normally I had a resting heart rate of 30 or 32bpm. The coaches used to measure it in the morning and in the afternoon to see if I was recovering. One day we did a medical test and it read 28, so there is some truth in it. But normally it was a little bit higher.’
My (heart rate ) experience (when 20 to 40 years old) is similar (low of 28, normally 29-31): Polar (chest strap) measurement at rest (ie on waking). Up in the mid 30s now, some quarter century on. Not dead yet - but had to reassure the medics in the ICU (during my short stay) and ask them to turn the alarm down to 35 if they didn't want it going off all the time.

 

[User169]

What about the footballers or even the more recent case of the rugby player? Is this specific to cyclists or does it effect all athletes?

In their sleep? The only football ones I think of were whilst they were playing

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I've seen the same thing happen with similar events in the past, and my HR also rises noticeably if I'm ill, even with just a cold.

I'm someone who finds being able to count and measure things a great incentive, and I think my main measure is going to be rest HR - it does seem to be a very sensitive indicator.

HR data is very insightful and can provide sound metrics and a decent fitness indicator. Being less fit than I was in 2015 I find looking at HR stats for the same 5km parkrun then and now fascinating. Way slower than 2015, much higher heart rate. But... same heart rate (ish) over last three weeks, getting faster each week.

 

[Slick]

I have heard it spoken of, and remember reading about the issue, in the specialist rugby (union) press reporting.

Not saying you think this, but anyone, especially any rugger bugger, who thinks every bulked-up union player on the planet gets that way purely by through free-weights, salad and mineral water is kidding themselves.

I'm not that naive. It was just a genuine question about an issue that for me seems to becoming not more common but I seem to be hearing more cases of heart issues but no mention of doping.

 

[Slick]

In their sleep? The only football ones I think of were whilst they were playing

Not sure about the recent case of the rugby player but yes your right about the footballers. I suppose they must have had underlying issues.

 

[bpsmith]

Not watched the video yet, but plan to do so later.

I have recently got more interested in HR. Measure mine sat at work and it sits between 45 and 55. Gets as low as 40 when I remember to check on waking up. Currently using the LED flash with an App on my phone.

When in the bike, it’s the opposite end of the scale. I can ride for an hour with a 182 average, maxing at 202. Can rarely get it lower than about 170 when on the bike, even when riding casually. That’s using Garmin chest strap. Is this stupidly high?

Keen on getting a watch to keep records and test when sleeping. What do you guys use btw?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Not watched the video yet, but plan to do so later.

I have recently got more interested in HR. Measure mine sat at work and it sits between 45 and 55. Gets as low as 40 when I remember to check on waking up. Currently using the LED flash with an App on my phone.

When in the bike, it’s the opposite end of the scale. I can ride for an hour with a 182 average, maxing at 202. Can rarely get it lower than about 170 when on the bike, even when riding casually. That’s using Garmin chest strap. Is this stupidly high?

Keen on getting a watch to keep records and test when sleeping. What do you guys use btw?

How old?

I only record HR when running. Don't measure it when cycling or sleeping.

 

[Slick]

Not watched the video yet, but plan to do so later.

I have recently got more interested in HR. Measure mine sat at work and it sits between 45 and 55. Gets as low as 40 when I remember to check on waking up. Currently using the LED flash with an App on my phone.

When in the bike, it’s the opposite end of the scale. I can ride for an hour with a 182 average, maxing at 202. Can rarely get it lower than about 170 when on the bike, even when riding casually. That’s using Garmin chest strap. Is this stupidly high?

Keen on getting a watch to keep records and test when sleeping. What do you guys use btw?

We're obviously all different in every way, but for me that's very high although others have told me it's normal for them. I reckon your average would be close to my max. Any more and I really start to feel very uncomfortable.

 

[bpsmith]

40 years and 3 months @GrumpyGregry

Even the 202 max doesn’t make me feel particularly uncomfortable @Slick, which I find very odd tbh.

Have checked the HR strap with the phone App and they were within 2 beats of each other on 2 occasions, so rules out faulty kit somewhat.

I don’t like the chest strap tbh, so deciding between a Scosche Rhythm and a watch of some sort.

 

[Slick]

M

40 years and 3 months @GrumpyGregry

Even the 202 max doesn’t make me feel particularly uncomfortable @Slick, which I find very odd tbh.

Have checked the HR strap with the phone App and they were within 2 beats of each other on 2 occasions, so rules out faulty kit somewhat.

I don’t like the chest strap tbh, so deciding between a Scosche Rhythm and a watch of some sort.

My rate was measured just using a fitbit. BIL, during a medical was told that his cheap fitbit was very accurate but not sure if that translates to during exercise. It maybe just means your very fit?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

40 years and 3 months @GrumpyGregry

Even the 202 max doesn’t make me feel particularly uncomfortable @Slick, which I find very odd tbh.

Have checked the HR strap with the phone App and they were within 2 beats of each other on 2 occasions, so rules out faulty kit somewhat.

I don’t like the chest strap tbh, so deciding between a Scosche Rhythm and a watch of some sort.

So theoretical max = 220 - age = 180 but individuals vary by 20 bpm either way.
So 180 +/- 20 = MHR range of 160 - 200 bpm
So allow a small margin for error and a real max 202bpm is ok.

I can push mine well past 220 - age without ill-effect.