Heart Health in Endurance Sports: AFib Awareness

The Athlete's Compass

In this episode of the Athletes Compass podcast, hosts Paul Warloski and Dr. Paul Laursen, along with Marjaana Rakai, delve into the topic of atrial fibrillation (AFib) and its impact on endurance athletes. They discuss the symptoms, causes, and risks associated with AFib and other heart issues like ventricular tachycardia, drawing from personal experiences and expert insights. Emphasizing the importance of a balanced training approach, the hosts explore the relationship between mid-zone training and heart health, and offer practical advice on how athletes can monitor their heart condition and seek appropriate medical care.

Key Takeaways

• Symptoms of AFib: Fluttering in the chest, fatigue, palpitations, and dizziness.
• Causes and Risks: Large return of blood to the heart, electrical events in the atria, and high levels of mid-zone training.
• Prevalence in Athletes: AFib and related heart issues are more reported in older male athletes but can affect anyone.
• Importance of Medical Attention: Early detection and medical intervention are crucial for managing AFib.
• Training Recommendations: Adopting a polarized training approach with balanced low and high-intensity sessions to reduce heart stress.
• Personal Experiences: Hosts share their encounters with heart issues and the importance of listening to one's body.