British Heart Foundation study, according to ex-UCI President, potentially played a crucial role in prolonging his life.
In a remarkable turn of events, former President of UCI and British Cycling, Brian Cookson, has shared his personal experience with a heart condition and the importance of sports safety. Cookson participated in a significant medical study funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), which is an important step towards helping people participate in sports safely.
The study, led by Dr. Peter Swobada, focuses on the impact of heart scarring on veteran male athletes. Heart scarring, or fibrosis, can disrupt the normal electrical pathways within the heart, creating abnormal circuits that can trigger episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT).
VT, a rapid heart rhythm originating in the heart’s lower chambers, can be life-threatening if sustained. Cookson himself experienced an "unusual episode" while training at the Manchester Velodrome last year, which led to his diagnosis with VT.
Following the episode, Cookson was advised by researchers to avoid strenuous activities and was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The ICD, comparable to a smart pacemaker, monitors Cookson's heart rate during exercise and intervenes if his heart stops during the night, giving a shock to restart it or adjusting rhythm for minor irregularities. It can also provide defibrillation and a big shock if Cookson has a heart attack.
Cookson, who has remained an avid cyclist since retiring, has regularly competed at a variety of events, including in the Gran Fondo World Championships. Despite considering giving up racing due to his experiences, he plans to keep riding for fun and fitness.
The BHF study found that about half of the 106 participants had heart scarring, increasing their risk of experiencing an episode like Cookson's. Cookson himself was fitted with a small loop recorder "about the size of a computer memory stick" after tests at the University of Leeds.
Cookson emphasises the importance of getting any concerns about health checked out, as there are solutions to help prevent problems. He believes participating in the study could have saved his life and encourages others to take their health seriously, especially those who have been involved in intense endurance training for a long period.
Dr. Swobada's team is continuing to analyse the data collected from the study, and Cookson remains hopeful that the research will lead to improved understanding and treatment options for heart conditions in athletes. The study underscores the importance of regular health checks and careful monitoring for athletes, ensuring they can continue to enjoy their sport safely and healthily.
- Brian Cookson, the former President of UCI and British Cycling, experienced an "unusual episode" related to cardiovascular health while training, leading to his diagnosis with ventricular tachycardia (VT).
- Heart scarring, or fibrosis, can cause VT by disrupting the normal electrical pathways within the heart, and veteran male athletes are a focus of a study led by Dr. Peter Swobada, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
- Cookson was advised to avoid strenuous activities and fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) as a precautionary measure for his heart condition.
- Despite the diagnosis and health concerns, Cookson plans to continue cycling for health and wellness, having competed at events like the Gran Fondo World Championships.
- The BHF study found that about half of the 106 participants had heart scarring, emphasizing the importance of regular health checks and careful monitoring for athletes.
- Cookson encourages others to take their health seriously, especially those who have been involved in intense endurance training for a long period, as the study could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for heart conditions in athletes.
- The research also underscores the significance of sports safety and mental health, encouraging athletes to prioritize their health and participate in sports-betting, golf, football, basketball, hockey, racing, tennis, and other sports responsibly.
