Interesting article in the Times about the physical adaptations of an athlete's heart:
The Heart of a Swimmer vs. the Heart of a Runner
Nothing about the electrical changes, or potential risks. One thing for sure, if you have all that muscle mass and are no longer training it to be quick and agile, it's not going to be as quick and agile as it once was. Are our hearts like aging linebackers? Maybe our electrical problems are analogous to CTE?
But they do mention the theory that swimmers' hearts adapt differently because of the horizontal position while working out. I first noticed my symptoms while lying down, and I know several riders who are keenly aware of what their heart is doing while reclined. I still can't sleep on my side, else it triggers the palpitations.
And one thing that separates cyclists from runners or swimmers or rowers. Make that two things. We tend to work out for much longer periods of time. And we tend to go very deep into that pain cave, we practically collapse on the bike atop a long climb, or after taking a pull. You can't do that while running or swimming.
TH
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