Heart attacks and race licences

[m3psm]

I unfortunately had a heart attack a couple of weeks ago and although I appear to be recovering well, I am concerned that I won’t get another race licence.

After reviewing the MSA website it seems that I need to have an exercise tolerance electrocardiogram and the backing of my GP.

Has anyone done this ECG and got their licence back? If so, how intense was it?

At the moment any kind of physical exertion seems a million miles away and I am back in to have stents put into two more arteries in a few weeks, but really just want an idea of what level of recovery fitness to target.

Although slim and fairly fit, I have always been gym-shy and have smoked for 20 years, so was hardly a marathon runner before the heart attack.

Obviously I have quit smoking now and do intend to exercise seriously to get as fit as possible so I’m around to see my kids grow up, but is race fitness a step too far for a 42 year old ex-smoker?

Any advice would be appreciated so I can decide whether to sell up the race car or focus on using it again.

Thanks

Paul

[frodo_monkey]

Not a direct answer, as I don't know any racing heart attack victims, but...

My day job is flying jets in the RAF, and we have certainly had people recover from heart attacks to fly again. As you can imagine a reasonable level of fitness is required for the job, so I can see no reason why (after having an ECG - which is no dramas by the way, I had one a few months ago for work) you couldn't get back in a car!

Focus on getting better and fitter, and use the racing as a goal to aid your recovery - the worst thing you could do IMHO is sell the car and end up with no racing in sight

Good luck, and get better soon!

[Paul Dishman]

You only need the ECG for an International Race Licence, you can get a National A without the ECG.

But your doctor will have to answer questions regarding evidence of abnormality of heart or cv system (q3) on the medical report and if there is evidence of a physical or mental condition (past or present) which could, in the doctors opinion, prevent you holding a competition licence (q4).

So it depends on how your recovery goes. With luck you could be back. No more ciggies though, ever.

[frodo_monkey]

Oh, and don't forget Ranulph Fiennes who ran seven marathons, in seven days, in seven continents, four months after a quadruple heart bypass. He was 59 - older than you at the time - it isn't over yet!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_Ranulph_Fiennes

[m3psm]

Cheers for the quick responses guys much appreciated.

Looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel which is fantastic news.

I've never had the funds to race regularly, but the idea of not being able to is very sad indeed.

I'm definately off the fags for good (nowt like terror to help with quitting) and as soon as the next proceedure is done I'll be focussing 100% on getting as fit as possible.

Good to hear that the ECG is not required. Means I only have to convince my GP that I'm fit enough... I think.

[jellison]

42 and a heart attack - ouch. Is it genetic - much of this on your side of the family? Never got smoking, why?

I'd try cycling as a good way to work into getting a good base aerobic fitness.

I'm sure if you can get to a reasonable level of aerobic fitness (more for general life that racing) you can live a long time, but I would not expect to just workout for a year and pass the test, it might take a good bit more than that.

And i was pissed of that I had to have my first medical this year (mind I am a fitness junky (no team sports - that is just wrong)).

Good luck.

[Paul Dishman]

You may be better off going to one of the doctors who specalise in doing medicals for race licences rather than your own GP who may have little or no experience of motor sport and may decline you to be on the safe side

I've seen them at the Autosport Show, I'm sure a bit of googling will find them

[jagracer]

m3psm said:

I unfortunately had a heart attack a couple of weeks ago and although I appear to be recovering well, I am concerned that I won’t get another race licence.

After reviewing the MSA website it seems that I need to have an exercise tolerance electrocardiogram and the backing of my GP.

Has anyone done this ECG and got their licence back? If so, how intense was it?

At the moment any kind of physical exertion seems a million miles away and I am back in to have stents put into two more arteries in a few weeks, but really just want an idea of what level of recovery fitness to target.

Although slim and fairly fit, I have always been gym-shy and have smoked for 20 years, so was hardly a marathon runner before the heart attack.

Obviously I have quit smoking now and do intend to exercise seriously to get as fit as possible so I’m around to see my kids grow up, but is race fitness a step too far for a 42 year old ex-smoker?

Any advice would be appreciated so I can decide whether to sell up the race car or focus on using it again.

Thanks

Paul

Someone close to me has had a couple of heart attacks, triple bypass about 20 years ago and stents fitted recently and has got his licence back although his GP didn't help matters.
He has had stress ECGs on more than one occasion, the most recent was in January which he sailed through and now has his Nat A licence back. He did the same test as I did for my international licence which was 9 minutes with the speed and angle of the machine raised every three or so minutes, our cardio consultant said if nothing shows up after 9 minutes then he doubts anything will and that's all the DVLA require for granting an HGV licence to heart attack victims. The machine they use is more or less the same as a treadmill you see in any gym except you also have a 12 lead ecg wired up to you. It isn't easy but once you've had your stents done (you'll notice the difference immediately) and been given the all clear by your cardio specialist you shouldn't have any problems with it once you are fully fit again.
Good luck and don't rush things and with any luck you might even get out again this year.

Paul Dishman said:

You only need the ECG for an International Race Licence, you can get a National A without the ECG.

I doubt you'll get even a Nat A without a stress ecg after suffering a heart attack.

Edited by jagracer on Wednesday 19th May 14:54

[BJD]

Don't want to be a gloom monger, but medication may be a bigger issue than passing the medical if you stay on something long term. A lot of the beta blocker type stuff is on the banned substances list, I've seen a list somewhere but can't remember if it was in the blue book or the doctors guidance notes on the MSA medical form. Stopped a mate from getting his licence a couple of years ago, worth thinking ahead and letting the medical team know what you are trying to achieve so they can try and get a medication regime to suit.

[Paul Dishman]

jagracer said:

Paul Dishman said:

You only need the ECG for an International Race Licence, you can get a National A without the ECG.

I doubt you'll get even a Nat A without a stress ecg after suffering a heart attack.

Edited by jagracer on Wednesday 19th May 14:54

Maybe, I don't know. He'd have to consult the MSA which is why I suggested going to one of the specalist drs rather than his own GP.

Ordinarily you only need a ECG for a international licence according to the blue book, resting if <45, stress if >45

[jagracer]

Paul Dishman said:

You may be better off going to one of the doctors who specalise in doing medicals for race licences rather than your own GP who may have little or no experience of motor sport and may decline you to be on the safe side

I've seen them at the Autosport Show, I'm sure a bit of googling will find them

That'll be Mark Green http://www.motorracingmedics.co.uk/ Although in this case the OP may need his own GP's signature on the form.

[m3psm]

Thanks again guys. Keep the info coming.

Yes the heart condition is genetic, although I didn’t know that at the time so it was a bit of a shock to put it mildly.

I’m not expecting to race this year or not even bothered if it takes a couple of years, as long as it’s a reasonable possibility. The car is sitting in the workshop where it can stay for as long as it takes. In the meantime I can tinker with it.

Cycling is the kind of exercise I was hoping would be good because gyms bore me to tears and I’m pants at swimming. Lots of woodland on my doorstep to do some gentle green-laning on.

As for medication, I never thought of that side of things. I’ve gone from hardly ever taking a headache tablet, to a myriad of drugs that I may be stuck with forever The list is;
Asprin – thins the blood
Clopidogrel (anti-platelette) – prevents clotting
Bisoprolol (beta blocker) – keeps heart rate calm
Ramipril (ace inhibitor) – lowers blood pressure
Atorvostatin – lowers cholesterol

My GP will review the beta blockers in one year because I already have concerns taking them in general.

The heart attack has damaged my heart permanently and it now apparently operates at 60%. Hopefully with clear arteries this will suffice though.

Will look into the other Doctors as that may be the way forward. Mine currently seems very understanding and keen to get me back on track, but that may be just to stop me being disheartened.

[Paul Dishman]

Beta blockers are on the banned list, so you'd have to get a Therapeutic Use Exemption from the MSA if you're still on bisoprolol when the time comes.

[m3psm]

Paul Dishman said:

Beta blockers are on the banned list, so you'd have to get a Therapeutic Use Exemption from the MSA if you're still on bisoprolol when the time comes.

Cheers Paul. Hoping to be off them in a year, but if not, at least I know what route to go down with the exemption. Thanks

[jagracer]

If your doctor is positive then you'll probably be half way there, the person I know got nothing but hindrance from his GP and he is anti motor racing which didn't help at all.

[jellison]

M3p - not to put a down on this - but surely racing (stress from heart rate the start or an iffy moment on track can sent the bpm through the roof - this could Bring on a Heart attack. Is it worth it. Family and kids might be more important?

Think Denny Hulme (RIP) - died doing what he did best.

[m3psm]

jagracer said:

If your doctor is positive then you'll probably be half way there, the person I know got nothing but hindrance from his GP and he is anti motor racing which didn't help at all.

That's what I'm hoping too. He seems to understand my concerns and appears keen to get me back out there. Still another procedure and many months of training away yet though.

[m3psm]

jellison said:

M3p - not to put a down on this - but surely racing (stress from heart rate the start or an iffy moment on track can sent the bpm through the roof - this could Bring on a Heart attack. Is it worth it. Family and kids might be more important?

Think Denny Hulme (RIP) - died doing what he did best.

This is a very valid point and something I think about, especially when I don't race often.

If I thought I couldn't race safely, I wouldn't race at all. At the moment I really don't know though as I get tired walking down the road.

My main goal is to get fit to be around to watch my two young daughters grow up and the having the heart attack was the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. I am simply assessing my new lease of life and lifestyle options.

If it looks like it's unlikely I will ever get my licence back, then there's no point holding on to the car. I can instead get into shooting or some other tamer hobby and move on. If it looks likely that I can race the car that I built with blood, sweat and tears, then that's a great goal to work towards.

[jellison]

Good luck - mainly just on getting Fit (the rest will come (or not) from there), take it gentle, build up slow.

[m3psm]

jellison said:

Good luck - mainly just on getting Fit (the rest will come (or not) from there), take it gentle, build up slow.

Cheers