Leaky Aorta

[bobinski]

Dear All,
Anyone experience of impact of a leaky aorta on cycling?
I had a battery of tests/MRI etc after some chest symptoms consistent with heart issues. Fortunately, the MRI came back with positive news about arteries and so on. Like many of us i knew I had an enlarged aorta and was due (at 62 years young) a check up to see how it was doing. At first bit of a panic when i was told it was moderatly leaky and to lay off training-6 weeks before Malorca 312. I did what i was told but now have been told it is "mildly" leaking. I have been referred to an aorta speccalist but earliest appointment is september. My cardiologist doesnt seem too worried but readily admiots he has no real experience of endurance cyclists/athletes. Searchs of the internet are not really helping either. There is lots of advice /stories associated with aorta's in a much worse state than mine. So i am at a bit of loss as to how intensely to train/ride espoecially given i have a week long Alps trip in mid july. The usual caveat that no one on this forum is a heart specialist, does anyone have ny experience of this diagnosis and if so what advice did you get?
Cheers
Bob

 

[kingrollo]

Dear All,
Anyone experience of impact of a leaky aorta on cycling?
I had a battery of tests/MRI etc after some chest symptoms consistent with heart issues. Fortunately, the MRI came back with positive news about arteries and so on. Like many of us i knew I had an enlarged aorta and was due (at 62 years young) a check up to see how it was doing. At first bit of a panic when i was told it was moderatly leaky and to lay off training-6 weeks before Malorca 312. I did what i was told but now have been told it is "mildly" leaking. I have been referred to an aorta speccalist but earliest appointment is september. My cardiologist doesnt seem too worried but readily admiots he has no real experience of endurance cyclists/athletes. Searchs of the internet are not really helping either. There is lots of advice /stories associated with aorta's in a much worse state than mine. So i am at a bit of loss as to how intensely to train/ride espoecially given i have a week long Alps trip in mid july. The usual caveat that no one on this forum is a heart specialist, does anyone have ny experience of this diagnosis and if so what advice did you get?
Cheers
Bob

Yes.

I was told to carry on as normal in terms of cycling. Monitored every other year - replacement valve if it gets severe .

Chap next door - not a sporty type had the replacement valve and seemed to recovery pretty quickly.

 

[CXRAndy]

Sorry to hear that Bob. I suggest you go private for cardiologist.

I've recently been slightly unwell, referred to cardiologist, who suggested I have a ultrasound, which came back normal, thankfully. Issue discovered and being treated.

Go private for quick information if it's going to potentially spoil your schedule 💪

 

[bobinski]

Sorry to hear that Bob. I suggest you go private for cardiologist.

I've recently been slightly unwell, referred to cardiologist, who suggested I have a ultrasound, which came back normal, thankfully. Issue discovered and being treated.

Go private for quick information if it's going to potentially spoil your schedule 💪

I am lucky to be able to go private but its still not quick. Just a little quicker.

Good to know your issue is being treated.

 

[bobinski]

Yes.

I was told to carry on as normal in terms of cycling. Monitored every other year - replacement valve if it gets severe .

Chap next door - not a sporty type had the replacement valve and seemed to recovery pretty quickly.

That is very encouraging. Were you advised to look out for any symptoms that might hasten that bi-annual review?

 

[kingrollo]

That is very encouraging. Were you advised to look out for any symptoms that might hasten that bi-annual review?

Nope - nothing at all.

That said I'm not overly impressed with the treatment from the cardiology dept as other heart issues have materialized.

One of my arteries was 70% blocked - I was put on statins + beta blockers - all of this was done post "you have coronary artery disease - take these tablets"

Last October I had a stent fitted - the total after care was a 10 minute phone consultation 6 months later.!!!!!

 

[vickster]

I am lucky to be able to go private but its still not quick. Just a little quicker.

Good to know your issue is being treated.

Are there really no aorta specialists in London who you can see privately before September?

 

[bobinski]

Are there really no aorta specialists in London who you can see privately before September?

It’s a private referral from my cardiologist signed off by my insurance company. I can certainly ask.

 

[bobinski]

Nope - nothing at all.

That said I'm not overly impressed with the treatment from the cardiology dept as other heart issues have materialized.

One of my arteries was 70% blocked - I was put on statins + beta blockers - all of this was done post "you have coronary artery disease - take these tablets"

Last October I had a stent fitted - the total after care was a 10 minute phone consultation 6 months later.!!!!!

Ouch! Hope you feel better.

 

[CXRAndy]

I am lucky to be able to go private but its still not quick. Just a little quicker.

Gosh, I had my consultation with the cardiologist consultant. He told me I could wait 9 months on the NHS or 2 weeks private. Paid my money there and then

 

[vickster]

There are lots of cardiologists but many fewer aorta specialist cardiologists. However, if they are anywhere more plentifully, it'll be London!
Royal Brompton, Harefield, St George's etc 👍

 

[bobinski]

There are lots of cardiologists but many fewer aorta specialist cardiologists. However, if they are anywhere more plentifully, it'll be London!
Royal Brompton, Harefield, St George's etc 👍

Yep it’s the Brompton I am going to. The appointment has come though today on the NHS app! So there may be some confusion as to private or not.

 

[vickster]

Yep it’s the Brompton I am going to. The appointment has come though today on the NHS app! So there may be some confusion as to private or not.

Get in touch with the specialists private secretary...all assuming s/he does private!

 

[steveindenmark]

Yes.

I was told to carry on as normal in terms of cycling. Monitored every other year - replacement valve if it gets severe .

Chap next door - not a sporty type had the replacement valve and seemed to recovery pretty quickly.

My brother had a triple heart valve replacement last year and was back on a bike in weeks. The hospital insisted on it. I was shocked when he asked to borrow a bike. I dont think I had ever seen him on a bike before.

 

[CXRAndy]

Just spoken with my brother in law, his mate who is probably mid to late 60s now had two heart valves at least 5 years ago. He takes blood thinners, but is still doing big miles on the bike.