Hello everyone - I am new to this group. I have been swimming freestyle for several years now and really enjoy it. I have worked hard at perfecting my stroke. I know what I should be doing and try hard to put it into practice. I have definitely become a stronger swimmer. I have a condition called "pectus excavatum". It makes my chest look a bit goofy with a depression in the centre and oversised lower ribs (called flared ribs). Some of you may have noticed that Peter van den hoogenband has it. I have read some articles that it can reduce your lung capacity. When swimming freestyle I have to stop for several minutes every 50 metres and was wondering whether this could be caused by my condition. Has anyone had any experience with this?
Regards Johnathon:confused:
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Former Member
Originally posted by The Arm
I have P.E. and it is a more severe case but has never limited me in any way other than keeping my vanity in check. One thing that I would advise you do is check with your physician about a specific heart risk called Mitral Valve Prolapse that is common in people with P.E. I had heard of this condition in the past but shrugged it off due to my being in fairly good condition. My sister recently talked with a close friend who lost a friend to this condition. Apparently it is treatable but doctors need to look for it specifically. Check the link I posted below, it is very enlightening and I think you will find it most helpful. Please share it with others.
The Arm
www.ctds.info/pectus_excavatum_faq.html My cardiologist tells me I have the symptoms of MVP. Pectus, heart palpitations, shortness of breath. However, he does not feel that anything needs to be done at this time. My palpitations have reduced in frequency since I started swimming but it has only been three months so it could be a fluke. The real danger with MVP lies in the heart getting infected. The mitral valve does not seal correctly and could allow contaminated blood to enter the heart and cause an infection. If you go to the dentist and tell them you have MVP they will freak out, trust me on this one!! Diagnosed MVP patients typically have a standing scrip of antibiotics for dental visits. Bleeding in the mouth can allow bacteria into the bloodstream possibly allowing an infection to occur in the heart. This thread is starting to resemble something from JAMA and not Masters swimming!!
Originally posted by The Arm
I have P.E. and it is a more severe case but has never limited me in any way other than keeping my vanity in check. One thing that I would advise you do is check with your physician about a specific heart risk called Mitral Valve Prolapse that is common in people with P.E. I had heard of this condition in the past but shrugged it off due to my being in fairly good condition. My sister recently talked with a close friend who lost a friend to this condition. Apparently it is treatable but doctors need to look for it specifically. Check the link I posted below, it is very enlightening and I think you will find it most helpful. Please share it with others.
The Arm
www.ctds.info/pectus_excavatum_faq.html My cardiologist tells me I have the symptoms of MVP. Pectus, heart palpitations, shortness of breath. However, he does not feel that anything needs to be done at this time. My palpitations have reduced in frequency since I started swimming but it has only been three months so it could be a fluke. The real danger with MVP lies in the heart getting infected. The mitral valve does not seal correctly and could allow contaminated blood to enter the heart and cause an infection. If you go to the dentist and tell them you have MVP they will freak out, trust me on this one!! Diagnosed MVP patients typically have a standing scrip of antibiotics for dental visits. Bleeding in the mouth can allow bacteria into the bloodstream possibly allowing an infection to occur in the heart. This thread is starting to resemble something from JAMA and not Masters swimming!!
