Abnormal EKG

My friend, age 51 is a very, very healthy male.  He is a cyclist and has been for 30+ years.  He has a heart rate of 36 to 38 which is his normal.  The EKG showed ST depression and they say there could possibly be a blockage.  Just on Saturday he road his bike 40+ miles in 2 hours burning off 1400 calories with no symptoms of heart problems.  Would he not have had symptoms at that time if he had any type of heart problems or blockage?  

[cindy707]

Regardless of what your friend wanted to do why would he is my question.  There is a reason why docs call these issues "silent killer" and i think your friend is totally pushing the envelope on this one especially if the heart doc feels that he may have a blockage...i have a hard time believing that the doc okayed your friend to take on such a stenuous activity if they are in the throes of testing and diagnosing....the big word here to me is caution....and no symtoms (symptoms) may not pop until its too late....you need to be his friend and tell him to take it down a couple of notches because there isn't an activity out there that is worth the price he may pay.................good luck

[janiesue55]

He did this Saturday and went for a physical on Tuesday.  He had never had any heart issues until this abnormal EKG today, 09/14/2010.  He can't go back to work until he gets this resolved and I think he is in denial big time.  

[cindy707]

I am glad to see that the doc did put limitations on him...you don't want anything to dislodge if there is a blockage or to cause a further blockage he needs to understand as we all do that denial is not a river in Egypt.....and he needs to cross that river and listen to his doc...if he continues to ignore the doc and you and your friend are close i would personally call his doc and tell them what is going on and maybe the doc can keep you anon and tell your friend he is just checking up on him making sure he is limiting his activity until this is over.....this is treatable but not if he steps off of the cliff......good luck and you are a great friend janisue......