Too much exercise can kill you. The Haywire Heart is the first book
to examine heart conditions in athletes. Intended for anyone who
competes in endurance sports like cycling, triathlon, running races of
all distances, and cross-country skiing, The Haywire Heart presents
the evidence that going too hard or too long can damage your heart
forever. You'll find what to watch out for, what to do about it, and how
to protect your heart so you can enjoy the sports you love for years to
come.
The Haywire Heart shares the developing research into a group of
conditions known as "athlete's heart", starting with a wide-ranging look
at the warning signs, symptoms, and how to recognize your potential
risk. Leading cardiac electrophysiologist and masters athlete Dr. John
Mandrola explores the prevention and treatment of heart conditions in
athletes like arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation and flutter, tachycardia,
hypertrophy, and coronary artery disease. He reviews new research about
exercise intensity and duration, recovery, inflammation and
calcification, and the ways athletes inflict lasting harm.
These heart problems are appearing with alarming frequency among masters
athletes who are pushing their bodies harder than ever in the hope that
exercise will keep them healthy and strong into their senior years. The
book is complete with gripping case studies of elite and age-group
athletes from journalist Chris Case--like the scary condition that
nearly killed cyclist and coauthor Lennard Zinn--and includes a frank
discussion of exercise addiction and the mental habits that prevent
athletes from seeking medical help when they need it.
Dr. Mandrola explains why many doctors misdiagnose heart conditions in
athletes and offers an invaluable guide on how to talk with your doctor
about your condition and its proven treatments. He covers known heart
irritants, training and rest modifications, effective medicines, and
safe supplements that can reduce the likelihood of heart damage from
exercise.
Heart conditions affect hardcore athletes as well as those who take up
sports seeking better health and weight loss. The Haywire Heart is a
groundbreaking and critically important guide to heart care for
athletes. By protecting your heart now and watching for the warning
signs, you can avoid crippling heart conditions and continue to exercise
and compete for years to come.
