pulmonary hypertension in distance runner

[patt]

I am a 55 year old woman and have run marathons for 25 years, averaging 70-80 miles/week for 15 years, and 50 miles/wk. for the last 10. About 2 mos. ago, i had sudden onset systemic hypertension (symptom onset during first minute of usual 6 mile run)and had a heart cath as part of immediate workup which revealed pulmonary artery pressure of app. 46. Following treatment with 10 mg. norvasc, subsequent workup at mayo clinic showed pulm. artery pressure normal and no cause of either systemic or pulm. hypertension was revealed.  I have been advised that i should stop all exercise that raises my heart rate above 108-110, and i remain on norvasc. Although i am grateful that i do not have primary pulmonary hypertension, it is unsettling to not know a cause and to be unable to engage in my life long exercise regimen.  There apparently is uncertainty, also, re the connection between these symptoms and "athelete's heart".  Would it be of benefit to come out to denver for further evaluation?

[National Jewish]

You are a young woman, who obviously would like to continue running for many more years.  I would be most reluctant to advise you to stop exercising as you have been told to do.

Dr. David Badesch is a faculty member at the University of Colorado Pulmonary Hypertension Center.  He is an excellent, very experienced doctor.  I strongly recommend that you call Dr. Badesch at [phone] and arrange to come to Denver to see him for an expert opinion.  In the meantime, I will forward your message to him.