Researcher praises British Heart Foundation study, crediting it for potentially saving their life after serving as UCI President.
Brian Cookson, a former president of UCI and British Cycling, has been diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia (VT), a type of arrhythmia that can cause serious symptoms and risks, including sudden cardiac arrest.
The condition was revealed during an "unusual episode" that occurred while Cookson was training at the National Cycling Centre. To manage his heart condition, Cookson has been fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), a device similar to a smart pacemaker.
The ICD will intervene if Cookson's heart stops, giving a shock to restart it, or providing a tiny readjustment for minor irregularities in rhythm. In severe cases, such as a heart attack, the ICD will deliver a defibrillation and a big shock to restore the heart's rhythm.
Cookson, now more cautious during exercise, backs off a little if his heart rate touches around 150. This precaution is a result of his experiences, which have led him to consider giving up racing but continuing to ride for fun and to improve his general fitness.
Cookson's participation in a British Heart Foundation (BHF) medical study investigating heart scarring in veteran male athletes sheds light on the potential risks these athletes face. Although specific data from the referenced BHF study on Cookson is not available, veteran athletes might be at risk of arrhythmias like VT due to possible underlying heart conditions influenced by aging, prior athletic strain, or other cardiac issues.
The BHF study found that almost half of the 106 participants had scarring in their hearts, raising the chance of them having an episode similar to Cookson's. Cookson was fitted with a small loop recorder after tests at the University of Leeds.
Dr Peter Swobada, the medic who led the study, stated that the results "shouldn't put people off" exercise completely. Instead, Cookson advises that if there is ever something that is not sure about during exercise, it should be checked out.
The BHF-funded research led to the development of the ICD that Cookson now has. Cookson feels incredibly grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in the BHF study. Despite his diagnosis, Cookson remains an avid cyclist and has regularly competed at a variety of events, including in the Gran Fondo World Championships.
In summary, Cookson's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of heart health for veteran athletes. While the risks of arrhythmias like VT are present, early detection and management, as enabled by devices like the ICD, can significantly reduce the risks associated with these conditions. Cookson's story also emphasizes the importance of regular medical check-ups and open dialogue about any concerns during exercise.
- Given his diagnosis of Ventricular Tachycardia, a type of arrhythmia, Brian Cookson has become more careful with his fitness and exercise, particularly mindful of his heart rate during training.
- The British Heart Foundation (BHF) study that Cookson participated in found that almost half of the veteran male athletes involved had scarring in their hearts, increasing the likelihood of them experiencing episodes similar to Cookson's.
- Despite his medical condition, Cookson continues his involvement in sports, including competing in events such as the Gran Fondo World Championships, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and careful management of medical conditions like cardiovascular health and mental health when it comes to fitness and wellness.
