Another USMS death while competing

We're all going to die of something. If it can't be in my sleep, then in the pool is not so bad. You can choose not to compete, I guess, but that would be worse, wouldn't it? If I could extend my life by avoiding competition but still swimming at a lesser pace, I would be on it like white on rice. Competition is great but so is enjoying the company of my friends and family. Having said that, the intent of this thread was not really to scare people away from competition but rather to bring some attention to this subject matter. Often times people think that being active and leading a generally healthy lifestyle will prevent them from cardiac events, but that is not so. Just because you are an avid swimmer and don't smoke does not mean you are fit for racing or even heart attack proof. Obviously not every event can be predicted but I would imagine that at least a few of these deaths could have been prevented. To each his or her own. USMS is not likely to force competitors to get health screenings (or will they?) but I think if enough people see the trends that we are seeing perhaps they will take matters into their own hands.

Ross was a year younger than I am and I certainly competed against him in a virtual sense although I can't recall ever meeting him. The loss is a shame. I was also at the meet where Parry O'Brien died. He was one of my childhood heros and that loss is great also. I have known Ron Johnson for more than a decade and am very glad his heart attack did not turn out as the other two. One thing that would be interesting to study is the relative frequency of heart attack deaths among competing swimmers compared to the normal population. Are we more likely, less likely or equally likely to die from heart attacks? Considering that we preach the benefits of exercise to our lifestyle it would be important to see if the numbers bear that out. I'm in general agreement that I'd rather go in a swim meet than almost any other way I can think of. It's not going to bother me but it will undoubtedly be stressful on others around me at the time. However, I still feel immortal and am not the least bit intimidated at this point. Apparently, that must be a part of the human condition to the living, so long as we are not obviously in poor health.

Not to say I will never compete, but if I do it will be with care. Now the reason to not compete I was always a give all I could swimmer. At my age soon to be 74 this could be dangerous. I don't think I could pace my race to keep my heart rate within the safe zone.

We're all going to die of something. If it can't be in my sleep, then in the pool is not so bad. You can choose not to compete, I guess, but that would be worse, wouldn't it? As a Licenced Nursing Home Administrator, I have seen 60+ YOs that seem to be waiting to die and Then on weekends run 13+ miles with 80 YO. Gene and habits play a lot, but so does attitude. I've seen healthy men evaporate from life and die within months of losing their wife. Women notsomuch. I guess the lesson is to take take all the precautions you can, live as healthy a life-style as you can/wish, and live each day as if it were your last; you never know it might be. Any cardiologist out there have an opinion on the LifeScan services? Can they really detect these issues well enough to treat?

One thing that would be interesting to study is the relative frequency of heart attack deaths among competing swimmers compared to the normal population. It has been well established that there is an increased risk of heart attack with strenuous (as opposed to moderate) exercise. Unfortunately sudden death may be the first manifestation of coronary artery disease.

It has been well established that there is an increased risk of heart attack with strenuous (as opposed to moderate) exercise. Unfortunately sudden death may be the first manifestation of coronary artery disease. Thanks for the feedback. I probably would have guessed that. I noticed that there was no question on the American Heart Association risk assessment site that evaluated whether or not you engaged in strenuous exercise. I wonder how much the risk would increase if that were factored in? Maybe you know the answer to that from the studies showing the increased risk that you mentioned in your post.

I noticed that there was no question on the American Heart Association risk assessment site that evaluated whether or not you engaged in strenuous exercise. I wonder how much the risk would increase if that were factored in? The risk assessment tool calculates your risk for developing coronary artery disease. For those individuals who have CAD, there is an increased risk of death with strenuous exercise, particularly if they exercise infrequently. In general, the benefits of regular exercise are believed to outweigh the risk.

I'm starting to see a lot more pools equipped with AEDs. Hopefully these will save some lives. Anyone can become certified to use AEDs. I took a course along with Infant/toddler CPR. You can even use it on yourself, not recommended. The life you save may be your own.

What signs would you look for? Just curious. If you begin experiencing chest pain (actually, most patients insist it's not pain but pressure/tightness/discomfort), shortness of breath, fatigue, or a decline in exercise tolerance, consult a physician. I am not aware of an arbitrary age limit for competitive sports. In general, the risk is small. However, if you have CAD, your risk will be higher than a normal individual.

I,am sorry to hear of another death while, swimming. I was at Brophy,s in Phoneix ,AZ. When Ron Johnson had his problem. But this has got to be the 3 rd. or 4 th person with in a year. But it has made me review ,how I will tackle long races in the future. My prayers are with him & his Family. Dom. in AZ.