from the PacMasters Update Email
Ross Shoemaker, RIP
1942-2007
Ross Shoemaker died suddenly at the Senior Games following one of his swims. Ross had collapsed on the deck, and was not able to be revived. It is a terrible loss - Ross was a longtime member of the San Mateo Marlins, a warm and supportive man, and a devoted swimmer with an encouraging word for everyone.
Ross coached at Chabot Junior College for many years. Services are pending.
I don't think I need to point out the frequncy with which these unfortunate events have been occuring recently. Should active swimmers be getting stress echos or something as they get older? Are simple BP and lipid screens simply not enough?
Parents
Former Member
Should active swimmers be getting stress echos or something as they get older? Are simple BP and lipid screens simply not enough?
Great question. The early detection of coronary artery disease remains a challenge. Risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, family history) need to be identified and managed appropriately. The routine use of stress testing in asymptomatic adults is currently not recommended. Keep in mind that most heart attacks are caused by the rupture of a previously minor plaque (which would not be detected by stress testing). While CT can detect the presence of plaque in asymptomatic individuals, it cannot identify the so-called "vulnerable" plaque which can result in a heart attack. And it may lead to unnecessary procedures (like a catheterization).
You can (and should) calculate your risk for coronary artery disease on the American Heart Association website:
www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml
Should active swimmers be getting stress echos or something as they get older? Are simple BP and lipid screens simply not enough?
Great question. The early detection of coronary artery disease remains a challenge. Risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, family history) need to be identified and managed appropriately. The routine use of stress testing in asymptomatic adults is currently not recommended. Keep in mind that most heart attacks are caused by the rupture of a previously minor plaque (which would not be detected by stress testing). While CT can detect the presence of plaque in asymptomatic individuals, it cannot identify the so-called "vulnerable" plaque which can result in a heart attack. And it may lead to unnecessary procedures (like a catheterization).
You can (and should) calculate your risk for coronary artery disease on the American Heart Association website:
www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml
