Can Your Heart Go the Distance?

R.J. Turner, an avid runner, suffered cardiac arrest during the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon. Fortunately, Frederick Lough, MD, a fellow runner, was able to assist.
 
R.J. Turner, 60, knew that the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon would be tough, but he’d completed nine marathons, so he didn’t expect any big surprises. So it came as quite a shock when he collapsed in cardiac arrest within the first mile. Fortunately, Frederick Lough, MD, Director of Cardiac Surgery at The George Washington University Hospital happened to be running nearby. Dr. Lough helped perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and accompanied Turner in the ambulance to GW Hospital, where later that afternoon he had a stent implanted in an artery that was 98 percent blocked.

Turner’s story is a vivid reminder that heart disease can strike individuals who appear to be very fit. “I’d been a runner for 45 years and had never had any symptoms of heart disease,” he notes.

Be aware that any activity that requires enormous physical exertion, such as a marathon, can cause unexpected illness or injury. “Races of this length can be dangerous, and they can never be treated casually,” Dr. Lough says. He recommends getting a thorough physical exam before starting to train, including a cardiac evaluation if you have known risk factors, such as high blood pressure. “Also, never ignore any shortness of breath or chest pain,” he says. “Those warning signs always need to be investigated.”

When Turner was stabilized, Dr. Lough went back to the Lincoln Memorial, where he completed the last 16 miles of the marathon.

Do you need a heart check? The George Washington University Cardiovascular Center offers diagnostic testing to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease. Call 1-888-4GW-DOCS or visit www.gwhospital.com.

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As seen in The George Washington University Hospital Health News Spring 2007.