Jane Brody, Geezer’s favorite science writer, takes on the paradox that troubles many a middle-aged runner: all those newspaper reports about veteran runners who drop dead during a daily workout. In this piece, we learn that Brody’s father, who was not a runner (but was a swimmer) suffered a heart attack an hour after his first run. And we are reminded that James Fixx, author of "The Complete Book of Running," died of a heart attack while jogging.
The lesson here, Brody writes, is to take reasonable precautions against sudden death. Sounds sensible to Geezer. Here then, are Brody’s eight reasonable precautions:
•Make sure all cardiac risk factors  especially smoking  are absent or under control.
•If
you have been sedentary for years or have any doubts about your cardiac
well-being, get checked out beforehand. But keep in mind that passing
an exercise stress test is not a guarantee of cardiac health.
•Establish
a sensible training program, especially long before an event. All your
muscles, not just your heart, need to be up to the stress.
•Run or walk at your own pace (the marathon is a race for only a few young, elite athletes).
•Stay well-hydrated with water at first, then with a sport drink if you sweat heavily or exercise for two or more hours.
•Pay
attention to warning signs. If you experience upper body discomfort or
pain that could be a symptom of coronary insufficiency during the
activity, stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Symptoms
that should not be ignored include palpitations; pain, pressure or
discomfort in the chest; dizziness or lightheadedness; shortness of
breath; and nausea.
In addition, if you find during your normal
workout that you are getting more winded or fatigued for no apparent
reason, that is a signal to get yourself examined.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Geezer:
Interesting article which confirms what we have known for years—if you have any history of heart disease in your family at all—you need a thorough heart related exam before you begin aggressive. This is not to be confused with a physical. It must be a heart exam.
In addition to Jim Fixx, Dr. Ed Burke, the US expert on heart rate monitoring, died several years ago while cycling in Colorado. Like Fixx, Dr. Burke had a history of heart disease in his family, had high cholesterol and had chest pains several weeks before his last ride in the mountains.
To me the bigger issue here is “male denial.” That is the issue that needs to be attacked. The important question is how deep in denial were Mr. Fixx and Dr. Burke? They must have been so afraid of their condeitions that they were trying to exercise their way through them. To me that is the big learning in all of this discussion.
So the key issue is this: are you heart healthy enough to jog, work on a treadmill, play aggressive tennis or handball or any other intense exercise? If you can’t or don’t want to answer that question, you have a problem.