Running ok with murmur/tachycardia?

[stryped]

I am a 36 year old male. For about two years I have been running. I have mostly just ran 5k's but havine been training for a marathon in April. I am running about 30-37 miles a week, with a long run of about 2 hours on Saturdays. My heart rate sometimes gets into the 90% range of my MHR.

Before I started running, on a regular docotr visit about 6 years ago they found a heart murmur. I had a normal ekg and echo. They said not to worry about it. I also had a normal stress test back then. (Without the dye.) I also developed "short runs" of SVT's. They only last a few seconds. It is like my heart stops beats very fast for 3 seconds, then goes back to normal. Sometimes, I can make it happen by laying on my right side.

Anyway. I have recently had a normal ekg, also, I wore a holter rmonitor during a 13.2 outside run. The report came back normal.

I still get the "short runs" of SVT's ocassionally. And i think they are scaring me and might be leading to an anxiety attack where I just dont feel right.

Anyway, after my long runs on the weekends, I am just wiped out. I dont feel like doing anythign the rest of the day and soemtiems feel funny.

Just wondering how safe running was especially for a marathon. (Which I will probably do once then go back to shorter distances).

Also, how to know when these feels are just anxiety and when shoud I be concerned?

Thanks Again!

[dquenzer]

Maximum safe distance and intensity depends upon your conditioning and age.  For example I am 52 and I'm in pretty good shape.  I exercise 5 times a week for about 45 to 60 minutes.  That includes running, yoga, plymetrics, weight lifting.  I do these on different days, and they are intense workouts.  During my more intense workouts I make sure my heart rate stays within a comfortable zone.  For me it is around 130 to 145.  If I get above 145 I'm going to hard, so I cut back and rest.  My gage is this, "Can I talk while I'm running?"  If I can't then it's time to kick back a bit.

Talk to your doctor and a trainer to find out what might work for you.  

[stryped]

What would be the maximum safe distance to run/train for?

[kitcurious]

That was just a "Cliff Claven" (the windbag on the TV show Cheers)-type observation, not a personal judgment on the running of marathons LOL

[kitcurious]

Just a comment from watching The History Channel. It is said that the original Marathon runner, bringing the news of the ancient battle of 490 BC, dropped dead after arriving and delviering his message.

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

My opinion is that it is just too far to run.  I don't think there are any health benefits to running that long.  I understand the desire to complete one but I am not really in a position here to recommend one.  Your primary doctor should decide if you need more studies -- I can give general advice, but try not to be specific.  In general, if there are not changes in symptoms, a repeat echocardiogram is not necessary, but that is for your doctor and you to decide.

[stryped]

Do you mean marathons are not good for your health?

I just want to be able to say I did one and not do it again.

These echos were done before I started running. Is there a reason to do another one since I have been running for 2 years?

[Michael J. McWilliams, M.D.]

If your doctor feels comfortable that you have a structurally normal heart and normal EKG, running should not be a problem.  Short bursts of SVT are almost never a problem, especially if they only last a second or two.

It is pretty normal to be wiped out after two hour run, I can tell you that from experience.

If the super long stuff bothers, cut back to shorter distances.  Why do it if it isn't fun or if it causes you anxiety.  Marathons are exactly "good" for your health so there is no reason to push up the distance.

Talk to your doctor and make sure they are ok with you doing a the marathon and if there is any question, stick to 5ks.  5ks and 10ks are great races.

I hope this helps.  Thanks for posting.