Post heart attack help and advice.

[Timmoh]

New to the site, and emtb in general (but have probably read way too much about it as usual!). I am In big need of picking some brains now making the leap into emtb land due to life changing four weeks ago for me.
Having Hardtailed all my life, I had a heart attack a month ago (at 56, non-smoker, not overweight, healthy-even the Docs said so....apparently not..... ), and am looking for anyone who has been there/done something like that, so I can get some reference point and tips on their experiences going electric and recovery
I have rode Rocky Mountain and Specialised briefly and it was eye opening. It allowed me to build confidence in the old ticker, and get me moving again, even going uphill (unavoidable in Wales!). Not totally effort free but easier than blowing out of body parts that shouldn't be blown out of as was the case prior.
Although I know the RM and S are in a different class, my choice as a newbie is the new Decathlon Stilus as it seems to tick all the boxes re price, motor, spec, usage requirements and looks.... for me anyway.
As I said, would welcome any experiences from you guys on what it has been like changing over due to health ?.
Tbh, having read/done a lot of homework on torque /power/weight and so on, therefore I am interested more in personal experiences than the "buy this, buy that" make and model, if that makes sense.
Your help is much appreciated in my ongoing recovery/riding future.
Cheers everyone.

 

[Beekeeper]

New to the site, and emtb in general (but have probably read way too much about it as usual!). I am In big need of picking some brains now making the leap into emtb land due to life changing four weeks ago for me.
Having Hardtailed all my life, I had a heart attack a month ago (at 56, non-smoker, not overweight, healthy-even the Docs said so....apparently not..... ), and am looking for anyone who has been there/done something like that, so I can get some reference point and tips on their experiences going electric and recovery
I have rode Rocky Mountain and Specialised briefly and it was eye opening. It allowed me to build confidence in the old ticker, and get me moving again, even going uphill (unavoidable in Wales!). Not totally effort free but easier than blowing out of body parts that shouldn't be blown out of as was the case prior.
Although I know the RM and S are in a different class, my choice as a newbie is the new Decathlon Stilus as it seems to tick all the boxes re price, motor, spec, usage requirements and looks.... for me anyway.
As I said, would welcome any experiences from you guys on what it has been like changing over due to health ?.
Tbh, having read/done a lot of homework on torque /power/weight and so on, therefore I am interested more in personal experiences than the "buy this, buy that" make and model, if that makes sense.
Your help is much appreciated in my ongoing recovery/riding future.
Cheers everyone.

Wishing you all the best in your recovery. The great thing about ebikes is you can adjust the workout to as hard or easy as you like and still get to see great places.
I know that technology never stops changing and some bikes even allow you to program in a set heart rate and the bike motor constantly adjusts the assistance to keep a steady heart rate. That might be something to look into but I’m not sure which bikes have this function, I think it might be Specialized

 

[B1rdie]

I had a surgery to place a stent on my left coronary on april 1st (true!)
Have done two 1000 meter climbs 30km rides since then ?
Untill the end of february I had no idea that there was a problem, it was during my wife visit to a doctor that she reminded that I had been complaining from a chest pressure witch I thought was related to work stress.
I had been feeling a little more tired and was needing more rest and riding a bit slower on the climbs but thought it was because of ageing, got 60 yo on april 24.
The doctor sent me to a series of exams and they found that on the left side of my heart one artery was obstructed and the other 75% closed, so a heart attack or an isquemic was iminent.
Having been riding bikes the last 20 years at least three times a week, helped me to survive by creating branches of vein that supplied enough blood.
I started ebiking a year ago and have 1800 km on my canyon sectralon now, and another 2000 km on regular bikes, have been riding close to 5000 km a year for the last 20 years.
The ebike is a fantastic tool for recovering the phisical strengh since it , besides demanding less effort, allows for better cooling and keeping body temperature comfortable.
Hope you enjoy your extra time in life with the ebike of your choice. ?

 

[Timmoh]

Wishing you all the best in your recovery. The great thing about ebikes is you can adjust the workout to as hard or easy as you like and still get to see great places.
I know that technology never stops changing and some bikes even allow you to program in a set heart rate and the bike motor constantly adjusts the assistance to keep a steady heart rate. That might be something to look into but I’m not sure which bikes have this function, I think it might be Specialized

Thanks and many thanks for that info. Looking forward to the brave new world where, as you said, effort is now up to how much you can/choose to put in. All sounds like the way to go.....

 

[bikeguy11]

New to the site, and emtb in general (but have probably read way too much about it as usual!). I am In big need of picking some brains now making the leap into emtb land due to life changing four weeks ago for me.
Having Hardtailed all my life, I had a heart attack a month ago (at 56, non-smoker, not overweight, healthy-even the Docs said so....apparently not..... ), and am looking for anyone who has been there/done something like that, so I can get some reference point and tips on their experiences going electric and recovery
I have rode Rocky Mountain and Specialised briefly and it was eye opening. It allowed me to build confidence in the old ticker, and get me moving again, even going uphill (unavoidable in Wales!). Not totally effort free but easier than blowing out of body parts that shouldn't be blown out of as was the case prior.
Although I know the RM and S are in a different class, my choice as a newbie is the new Decathlon Stilus as it seems to tick all the boxes re price, motor, spec, usage requirements and looks.... for me anyway.
As I said, would welcome any experiences from you guys on what it has been like changing over due to health ?.
Tbh, having read/done a lot of homework on torque /power/weight and so on, therefore I am interested more in personal experiences than the "buy this, buy that" make and model, if that makes sense.
Your help is much appreciated in my ongoing recovery/riding future.
Cheers everyone.

New to the site, and emtb in general (but have probably read way too much about it as usual!). I am In big need of picking some brains now making the leap into emtb land due to life changing four weeks ago for me.
Having Hardtailed all my life, I had a heart attack a month ago (at 56, non-smoker, not overweight, healthy-even the Docs said so....apparently not..... ), and am looking for anyone who has been there/done something like that, so I can get some reference point and tips on their experiences going electric and recovery
I have rode Rocky Mountain and Specialised briefly and it was eye opening. It allowed me to build confidence in the old ticker, and get me moving again, even going uphill (unavoidable in Wales!). Not totally effort free but easier than blowing out of body parts that shouldn't be blown out of as was the case prior.
Although I know the RM and S are in a different class, my choice as a newbie is the new Decathlon Stilus as it seems to tick all the boxes re price, motor, spec, usage requirements and looks.... for me anyway.
As I said, would welcome any experiences from you guys on what it has been like changing over due to health ?.
Tbh, having read/done a lot of homework on torque /power/weight and so on, therefore I am interested more in personal experiences than the "buy this, buy that" make and model, if that makes sense.
Your help is much appreciated in my ongoing recovery/riding future.
Cheers everyone.

Good to hear people doing the most with their "2nd Chance!" Much like others very fit, not overweight, no underlying medical issues until Quadruple bypass in June 2018. Ebikes have given me back what I enjoy the most, riding with longtime mountain bike buddies and discovering new trails. There's a lot of good ebike choices out there and I highly recommend to all as part of their post event new normal.

 

[Timmoh]

Good to hear people doing the most with their "2nd Chance!" Much like others very fit, not overweight, no underlying medical issues until Quadruple bypass in June 2018. Ebikes have given me back what I enjoy the most, riding with longtime mountain bike buddies and discovering new trails. There's a lot of good ebike choices out there and I highly recommend to all as part of their post event new normal.

Wow, I'm glad I lost the top trumps on that one! Fair do's mate, I take my hat/helmet off to you. Nice to hear it is working out and keeping you with the pack.

 

[Roger20]

I think that you can set a threshhold heart rate in the Specialized Mission Control app but not researched this. Could be useful if you want to stay in a safe range?
New Mission Control features - EMTB Forums

 

[iainc]

Interesting thread. I have moved to ebike for MTB to avoid HR spikes as recommended by cardiologist as I have some non obstructive heart disease. I am to keep below threshold which is quite manageable on road and gravel, not so much MTB.

I briefly had an Orbea Wild but had to sell due a shoulder injury but now planning on getting another eMTB. Am torn between a Levo SL and a Heckler. I think the SL is likely to suit my xc, natural trails, wheels on the ground riding better and the light weight is a real appeal having a weak shoulder with impaired mobility.

 

[Timmoh]

Interesting thread. I have moved to ebike for MTB to avoid HR spikes as recommended by cardiologist as I have some non obstructive heart disease. I am to keep below threshold which is quite manageable on road and gravel, not so much MTB.

I briefly had an Orbea Wild but had to sell due a shoulder injury but now planning on getting another eMTB. Am torn between a Levo SL and a Heckler. I think the SL is likely to suit my xc, natural trails, wheels on the ground riding better and the light weight is a real appeal having a weak shoulder with impaired mobility.

That's interesting, as HR spikes were discussed as possible causes for me, so the cardiologist discussion route is something on the cards for me.
Its been really great to have these replies and have given me more push than ever to swap over and keep the trail bug going.

 

[boBE]

After my heart issue (12 years ago) the doctor limited me to a heart rate of 100 to start, about enough to get the bike off the rack. The meds made it feel like I was riding through wet cement. Over time my max HR was raised and the effects of the meds diminished, to where I can go to 160 (10 more than my age recommends anyway), and I do it every ride.

So my advice, worth every penny you paid for it, is take it slow, steady improvement, follow doctors recommendations, and look forward to the better days that are ahead! Get a decent HR monitor and look into the Specialized app that tunes the bike according to HR (haven't tried it yet).

 

[Timmoh]

After my heart issue (12 years ago) the doctor limited me to a heart rate of 100 to start, about enough to get the bike off the rack. The meds made it feel like I was riding through wet cement. Over time my max HR was raised and the effects of the meds diminished, to where I can go to 160 (10 more than my age recommends anyway), and I do it every ride.

So my advice, worth every penny you paid for it, is take it slow, steady improvement, follow doctors recommendations, and look forward to the better days that are ahead! Get a decent HR monitor and look into the Specialized app that tunes the bike according to HR (haven't tried it yet).

Cheers for this. This is all good stuff and is giving me abroad base of info that relates to how I am/feel/want to get to eventually. Seriously, all comments are very much appreciated. I will take it slow and listen to advice as you said.

 

[paquo]

Interesting thread. I have moved to ebike for MTB to avoid HR spikes .

I took the regular x country bike out the other day just to keep it honest and my heart rate stayed right down in the endurance range the whole hill, a couple years ago it would have been all over the place. I guess i'm just conditioned to spin more now.

 

[Timmoh]

I had a surgery to place a stent on my left coronary on april 1st (true!)
Have done two 1000 meter climbs 30km rides since then ?
Untill the end of february I had no idea that there was a problem, it was during my wife visit to a doctor that she reminded that I had been complaining from a chest pressure witch I thought was related to work stress.
I had been feeling a little more tired and was needing more rest and riding a bit slower on the climbs but thought it was because of ageing, got 60 yo on april 24.
The doctor sent me to a series of exams and they found that on the left side of my heart one artery was obstructed and the other 75% closed, so a heart attack or an isquemic was iminent.
Having been riding bikes the last 20 years at least three times a week, helped me to survive by creating branches of vein that supplied enough blood.
I started ebiking a year ago and have 1800 km on my canyon sectralon now, and another 2000 km on regular bikes, have been riding close to 5000 km a year for the last 20 years.
The ebike is a fantastic tool for recovering the phisical strengh since it , besides demanding less effort, allows for better cooling and keeping body temperature comfortable.
Hope you enjoy your extra time in life with the ebike of your choice. ?

Sorry for the late reply, missed it earlier. It is amazing how many people have been through this when sometimes and naturally, I thoight it's only me-stupid I know. For me, I didn't need a stent (just the balloon and dynorod bit, as it appeared I blew a small branch artery at the bottom of the main one-called the "widow maker", so thats really made me sit up and take notice going forward! Again, making the decision a no brainer.

 

[mtbross]

Glad to hear you are back on the bike. I had a heart attack while riding my mountain bike back in 2007. Was a widow maker so was very very lucky. And being crazy I rode to help after waking up and laying there for awhile. Four months and two stent surgeries later I started a slow recovery. While my doctor was amazingly qualified he didn’t understand our level of cycling. So I switched doctors to one that also rides. Before leaving I told my doctor that one day I would ride up Alpe Du Huez and Ventoux. Did I both and more in 2010. After that trip I slowed down a bit. Discovered Ebikes two years ago. Now have four bikes..,2 road and 2 mountain. Two are regular and two Ebikes. The Ebikes are so much Fun! I still continue to ride the regular bikes from time to time and enjoy them both. And nine times out of 10 I pull out the E. Have the RM Altitude for mountain and Giant Road_E plus. Life is short and as they say play hard. What I learned is to never take a day for granted, stay in the moment as much as possible. Coming face-to-face with my mortality made
Every morning feel like Christmas for a while. Over the years that fades to some degree but eBikes Bring it right back. Have fun stay well.

 

[Timmoh]

Glad to hear you are back on the bike. I had a heart attack while riding my mountain bike back in 2007. Was a widow maker so was very very lucky. And being crazy I rode to help after waking up and laying there for awhile. Four months and two stent surgeries later I started a slow recovery. While my doctor was amazingly qualified he didn’t understand our level of cycling. So I switched doctors to one that also rides. Before leaving I told my doctor that one day I would ride up Alpe Du Huez and Ventoux. Did I both and more in 2010. After that trip I slowed down a bit. Discovered Ebikes two years ago. Now have four bikes..,2 road and 2 mountain. Two are regular and two Ebikes. The Ebikes are so much Fun! I still continue to ride the regular bikes from time to time and enjoy them both. And nine times out of 10 I pull out the E. Have the RM Altitude for mountain and Giant Road_E plus. Life is short and as they say play hard. What I learned is to never take a day for granted, stay in the moment as much as possible. Coming face-to-face with my mortality made
Every morning feel like Christmas for a while. Over the years that fades to some degree but eBikes Bring it right back. Have fun stay well.

Snap. Mine was a widow maker (L. A. D lesion) too, and I know exactly what you mean about lucky.
Makes such a difference hearing about the way people move on from these sobering things.
First ride out yesterday with HR monitor and non emtb (still awaiting stock) and that was an interesting experience......
Cheers for the post, now the only stressful thing now is checking the website for stock every 5 mins, as bikes seem to be flying off the racks these days?.

 

[Ricardo]

New to the site, and emtb in general (but have probably read way too much about it as usual!). I am In big need of picking some brains now making the leap into emtb land due to life changing four weeks ago for me.
Having Hardtailed all my life, I had a heart attack a month ago (at 56, non-smoker, not overweight, healthy-even the Docs said so....apparently not..... ), and am looking for anyone who has been there/done something like that, so I can get some reference point and tips on their experiences going electric and recovery
I have rode Rocky Mountain and Specialised briefly and it was eye opening. It allowed me to build confidence in the old ticker, and get me moving again, even going uphill (unavoidable in Wales!). Not totally effort free but easier than blowing out of body parts that shouldn't be blown out of as was the case prior.
Although I know the RM and S are in a different class, my choice as a newbie is the new Decathlon Stilus as it seems to tick all the boxes re price, motor, spec, usage requirements and looks.... for me anyway.
As I said, would welcome any experiences from you guys on what it has been like changing over due to health ?.
Tbh, having read/done a lot of homework on torque /power/weight and so on, therefore I am interested more in personal experiences than the "buy this, buy that" make and model, if that makes sense.
Your help is much appreciated in my ongoing recovery/riding future.
Cheers everyone.

Hi, I’ve had the same experience. Widow maker heart attack (out the blue) At 48 after living to the full with HOCM my whole life and being a complete gym junkie. Bought a Specialized Levo and it’s changed my life. I can walk up a slight hill and be breathless but Not on the bike. Took it to the mountains in Loch Long and smashed them. Bought my wife one a few months before lock down and it’s the best decision I ever made we go everywhere on them. Can’t recommend enough a electric bike, never got off it with a sad face and itch to get back on. Average bike rides 30-40 miles most days. Best thing I ever did. Rich

 

[iainc]

Hi, I’ve had the same experience. Widow maker heart attack (out the blue) At 48 after living to the full with HOCM my whole life and being a complete gym junkie. Bought a Specialized Levo and it’s changed my life. I can walk up a slight hill and be breathless but Not on the bike. Took it to the mountains in Loch Long and smashed them. Bought my wife one a few months before lock down and it’s the best decision I ever made we go everywhere on them. Can’t recommend enough a electric bike, never got off it with a sad face and itch to get back on. Average bike rides 30-40 miles most days. Best thing I ever did. Rich

Where did you buy the bike and what size is it/you ?

 

[Timmoh]

Hi, I’ve had the same experience. Widow maker heart attack (out the blue) At 48 after living to the full with HOCM my whole life and being a complete gym junkie. Bought a Specialized Levo and it’s changed my life. I can walk up a slight hill and be breathless but Not on the bike. Took it to the mountains in Loch Long and smashed them. Bought my wife one a few months before lock down and it’s the best decision I ever made we go everywhere on them. Can’t recommend enough a electric bike, never got off it with a sad face and itch to get back on. Average bike rides 30-40 miles most days. Best thing I ever did. Rich

All good stuff for me to hear and glad to see the missus involved like mine-they go through a load of crap when we decide to have these stupid heart things........

 

[Ricardo]

Where did you buy the bike and what size is it/you ?

Where did you buy the bike and what size is it/you ?

Where did you buy the bike and what size is it/you ?

Hi, got the bike from specialized Chester.

 

[Kingie]

New to the site, and emtb in general (but have probably read way too much about it as usual!). I am In big need of picking some brains now making the leap into emtb land due to life changing four weeks ago for me.
Having Hardtailed all my life, I had a heart attack a month ago (at 56, non-smoker, not overweight, healthy-even the Docs said so....apparently not..... ), and am looking for anyone who has been there/done something like that, so I can get some reference point and tips on their experiences going electric and recovery
I have rode Rocky Mountain and Specialised briefly and it was eye opening. It allowed me to build confidence in the old ticker, and get me moving again, even going uphill (unavoidable in Wales!). Not totally effort free but easier than blowing out of body parts that shouldn't be blown out of as was the case prior.
Although I know the RM and S are in a different class, my choice as a newbie is the new Decathlon Stilus as it seems to tick all the boxes re price, motor, spec, usage requirements and looks.... for me anyway.
As I said, would welcome any experiences from you guys on what it has been like changing over due to health ?.
Tbh, having read/done a lot of homework on torque /power/weight and so on, therefore I am interested more in personal experiences than the "buy this, buy that" make and model, if that makes sense.
Your help is much appreciated in my ongoing recovery/riding future.
Cheers everyone.

Ive had a couple of minor Strokes ... nothing like yourself .... been riding for many years Mountain bikes and road bikes .... im now changing to the E bike take a little pressure off the old body ..... got to keep going ..... hope you reach full recovery and keep the pedals turning ..... ???

 

[Timmoh]

Ive had a couple of minor Strokes ... nothing like yourself .... been riding for many years Mountain bikes and road bikes .... im now changing to the E bike take a little pressure off the old body ..... got to keep going ..... hope you reach full recovery and keep the pedals turning ..... ???

Cheers Kingie, yeah, me too. Hey, all of these damn body related things are a bummer-I never minded the odd broken bone as long as I was the one in control (or out of it!), this is a new ball game that has made me feel less in control and that is the hard bit for me at the mo.
Gonna keep hitting the trails and enjoying the amazing countryside around me with the Family-just hopefully faster and with less pain than previously ??.

 

[leftside]

I turned 50 last year and too felt like I needed to take some body stress out of the steep climbs on our trails. Very happy to have purchased the e-bike.

Thanks to the OP for posting an inspiring thread.

 

[Kingie]

I turned 50 last year and too felt like I needed to take some body stress out of the steep climbs on our trails. Very happy to have purchased the e-bike.

Thanks to the OP for posting an inspiring thread.

59 this year ..... ??? lol lol
Head feels 20 body feels 59 .... lol lol
But as they say Age is just a number ..... ????

 

[TonTonUB]

Hello,

First, all my best wishes for recovery !
Considering your problem : all i know is that for a certain category of heart injuries / diseases, low pedaling pace may be well-suited. I guess you could start to look and try for emtb motors filling this contraint, to check if it's the good way for you.

health and might to you,

 

[Timmoh]

I turned 50 last year and too felt like I needed to take some body stress out of the steep climbs on our trails. Very happy to have purchased the e-bike.

Thanks to the OP for posting an inspiring thread.

Cheers Leftside, it's been really inspiring to read all the positive and helpful replies.
I also still feel 20, its just other people keep sending me cards with higher numbers on every year! ?.

 

[Ricky]

New to the site, and emtb in general (but have probably read way too much about it as usual!). I am In big need of picking some brains now making the leap into emtb land due to life changing four weeks ago for me.
Having Hardtailed all my life, I had a heart attack a month ago (at 56, non-smoker, not overweight, healthy-even the Docs said so....apparently not..... ), and am looking for anyone who has been there/done something like that, so I can get some reference point and tips on their experiences going electric and recovery
I have rode Rocky Mountain and Specialised briefly and it was eye opening. It allowed me to build confidence in the old ticker, and get me moving again, even going uphill (unavoidable in Wales!). Not totally effort free but easier than blowing out of body parts that shouldn't be blown out of as was the case prior.
Although I know the RM and S are in a different class, my choice as a newbie is the new Decathlon Stilus as it seems to tick all the boxes re price, motor, spec, usage requirements and looks.... for me anyway.
As I said, would welcome any experiences from you guys on what it has been like changing over due to health ?.
Tbh, having read/done a lot of homework on torque /power/weight and so on, therefore I am interested more in personal experiences than the "buy this, buy that" make and model, if that makes sense.
Your help is much appreciated in my ongoing recovery/riding future.
Cheers everyone.

Hi. Saw this and although my medical history isn't exactly the same as yours, it's similar enough to share my own experience I think.

I used to ride motocross bikes until my early thirties and having kids made it impossible really, due to time and cost. I ran and cycled to work for a while, and considered myself to be fit and healthy. But when I was 37, I had an aortic aneurysm and had open heart surgery to replace a section of my aortic root, and my aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical heart valve, as my valve had been damaged by the aneurysm too.

I think it took me a good couple of years to recovery fully from it physically and mentally. I take anticoagulation therapy due to the mechanical valve, so there is a bleeding risk that goes with that, but it's managable. There are a few residial heart problems following surgery, that I need to be careful of.

Motorbikes were out of the question, so I thought I'd try a bit of MTB, and got hooked. I bought a Calibre Beastnut, and it was a great introduction, but I found climbing on it really hard and too much of a strain on the heart rate. So after a year I took the plunge and bought a Specialized Levo Comp, which was the best decision I made.

I'm 44 this year, and have found the Levo to be ideal. A couple of days ago I rode the Quantocks all day with a friend of mine, and did almost 40k with loads of climbing, no problem. Bike parks like BPW are great too. I'll be changing the bike next year to something with more travel. I make sure I wear as much protection as possible, to lower the risk for me. The e-bike is confidence inspiring, and perfect for managing your heart rate. You can get a great workout, and still do it safely. I highly recommend it, and to be honest, medical issues aside, I'd still have one and never go back to analogue anyway.

Best wishes with the recovery.

 

[Rusty]

Always a tough subject @Timmoh - I am overweight, but have been since my 20's and was playing just under National level football in my mid 20's even with my weight. Got back into MX and gained National level before a huge crash retired me at 40. Took up MTB and have raced 12 & 24 hr events, won a club championship in my age group and generally stressed the body time and time again.
2 years ago I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation, which was not found due to any symptoms, but when I installed a new ECG machine at a client and they wanted to test drive it - picking up my issue. Now this was also my GP and I had installed their old ECG machine 3 years previous and was tested with no issues.
Anyways, had the procedure where they stop the heart and then restart it to put it back into rhythm. Wasn't successful and I was not keen on stopping riding unless it was absolutely crucial. At that time I was still non assist and while only doing random climbs was still pushing hard and in a days riding would drop 1-2 kg. I had a long talk to my cardio specialist when in the recovery room as well as another that was being consulted on my condition. Their response was that I should continue to ride in a similar manner as I had been but to monitor my heart rate rather than doing nothing as I had been. We then got to talking about heart issues in general as my brother had a stent fitted the year previous and a couple friends have had heart attacks recently as well. Both of them suggested that pushing the heart into the appropriate training range was not so much of an issue, but seriously surpassing that would cause issues. By using a heart rate monitor and not exceeding the appropriate rate for your age seems to be relatively common advice.
However, I suggest discussing this with your cardio specialist. I know some seem to think any MTB activity is Red Bull Rampage riding so need to be corrected if that is the case. With the eMTB it is much easier to use the assist power to keep yourself in the zone and not over-doing things.

 

[Timmoh]

Hi. Saw this and although my medical history isn't exactly the same as yours, it's similar enough to share my own experience I think.

I used to ride motocross bikes until my early thirties and having kids made it impossible really, due to time and cost. I ran and cycled to work for a while, and considered myself to be fit and healthy. But when I was 37, I had an aortic aneurysm and had open heart surgery to replace a section of my aortic root, and my aortic valve was replaced with a mechanical heart valve, as my valve had been damaged by the aneurysm too.

I think it took me a good couple of years to recovery fully from it physically and mentally. I take anticoagulation therapy due to the mechanical valve, so there is a bleeding risk that goes with that, but it's managable. There are a few residial heart problems following surgery, that I need to be careful of.

Motorbikes were out of the question, so I thought I'd try a bit of MTB, and got hooked. I bought a Calibre Beastnut, and it was a great introduction, but I found climbing on it really hard and too much of a strain on the heart rate. So after a year I took the plunge and bought a Specialized Levo Comp, which was the best decision I made.

I'm 44 this year, and have found the Levo to be ideal. A couple of days ago I rode the Quantocks all day with a friend of mine, and did almost 40k with loads of climbing, no problem. Bike parks like BPW are great too. I'll be changing the bike next year to something with more travel. I make sure I wear as much protection as possible, to lower the risk for me. The e-bike is confidence inspiring, and perfect for managing your heart rate. You can get a great workout, and still do it safely. I highly recommend it, and to be honest, medical issues aside, I'd still have one and never go back to analogue anyway.

Best wishes with the recovery.

Cheers Ricky, you've been through the mill by the sound of it but have come through it amazingly. I myself seem to be struggling mentally and pre-emption what is going to happen, which in itself brings on symptoms anyway (which I am sure you know only too well).
These posts from all you guys are what is keeping me going at the mo, as I can't meet up face to face with any medical personnel due to the virus.
I know it is going to be a long road ahead and I am not the best at waiting for improvements to be seen/felt, but I feel I am going to have to change that position.
Inspiring to hear your story and all the best for your continued improvement as the years go on. Cheers..........

 

[Timmoh]

Always a tough subject @Timmoh - I am overweight, but have been since my 20's and was playing just under National level football in my mid 20's even with my weight. Got back into MX and gained National level before a huge crash retired me at 40. Took up MTB and have raced 12 & 24 hr events, won a club championship in my age group and generally stressed the body time and time again.
2 years ago I was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation, which was not found due to any symptoms, but when I installed a new ECG machine at a client and they wanted to test drive it - picking up my issue. Now this was also my GP and I had installed their old ECG machine 3 years previous and was tested with no issues.
Anyways, had the procedure where they stop the heart and then restart it to put it back into rhythm. Wasn't successful and I was not keen on stopping riding unless it was absolutely crucial. At that time I was still non assist and while only doing random climbs was still pushing hard and in a days riding would drop 1-2 kg. I had a long talk to my cardio specialist when in the recovery room as well as another that was being consulted on my condition. Their response was that I should continue to ride in a similar manner as I had been but to monitor my heart rate rather than doing nothing as I had been. We then got to talking about heart issues in general as my brother had a stent fitted the year previous and a couple friends have had heart attacks recently as well. Both of them suggested that pushing the heart into the appropriate training range was not so much of an issue, but seriously surpassing that would cause issues. By using a heart rate monitor and not exceeding the appropriate rate for your age seems to be relatively common advice.
However, I suggest discussing this with your cardio specialist. I know some seem to think any MTB activity is Red Bull Rampage riding so need to be corrected if that is the case. With the eMTB it is much easier to use the assist power to keep yourself in the zone and not over-doing things.

Cheers Rusty, looks like all this beating our bodies into submission is a common thing for us lot ?.
It is wild how sometimes it is just luck or circumstance that shapes our paths-as with your ecg experience.
I wear a HR monitor at the moment to exercise and that is all they have said so far, just like you, but I think my head space is going to need working on. Previously I would beast the weights or bike if I felt low or stressed, now that is off the menu I have to readjust, not easy at the moment.
It is strange for me as they angioplasted (?) a broken/blocked small artery at the bottom of the main artery in the heart but it was too small to stent etc. They cleared it and said it may have simply dissected and blocked on forming a "scab". So, in my head, with no new part fitted as with a broken car of bike, I find it hard to "feel" it is fixed if that makes sense, once again its back to my head space ?.
Reading all the replies I have had from everyone, I do think of all the arguments/pro and cons about e-mountainbiking, this subject of health and the issues every single one of us can have at any time, is probably the most decisive piece of evidence for their acceptance by all and "value" they have in keeping people in the saddle. Keep spinning and well.
Cheers............

 

[Timmoh]

Cheers Ricky, you've been through the mill by the sound of it but have come through it amazingly. I myself seem to be struggling mentally and pre-emption what is going to happen, which in itself brings on symptoms anyway (which I am sure you know only too well).
These posts from all you guys are what is keeping me going at the mo, as I can't meet up face to face with any medical personnel due to the virus.
I know it is going to be a long road ahead and I am not the best at waiting for improvements to be seen/felt, but I feel I am going to have to change that position.
Inspiring to hear your story and all the best for your continued improvement as the years go on. Cheers..........

Forgot to add,
I hear you on the blood thinning drugs and kitting out for a ride! You bleed like a scene from pulp fiction at the slightest knock......
We are certainly not selling this heart attack thing are we? ??. But sadly, it is all too real.......