| Can you be disqualified from participating in an Iron Man Triathlon if you have a heart condition?

Can you be disqualified from participating in an Iron Man Triathlon if you have a heart condition?

theteabegreen asked:


My aortic valve only has two “leaflets” therefore it doesn’t function as well as a normal valve. From an exercise stress test, my doctor said that my heart compensates very well for the deficiency. I’m not on any medication at this time. My cardiologist says that I can do anything I feel like, but I may tire easier than the average person. I took him very literally and ran two marathons. I’ll be running my third next month. I don’t tire; I’m a ball of energy. I am now setting my eyes on training for an Iron Man Triathlon (a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, followed by a 26.2 mile run). Someone told me that I may not be allowed to participate because of my minor heart condition. Is this true?
ANSWER:

Thank You To The Person Who Gave Me The E-mail Address Of One Of The IronMan Organizers. This Is What I Found Out Directly From IronMan:

Aloha Sarah,
When you register, you will sign a waiver stating that you are in good physical condition and that you understand the physical demands a triathlon may put on your body. You are also asked if you have any health conditions or concerns that you are aware of or are being treated or monitored by a physical. You do not need to provide a doctor’s approval, however if you are aware of a health condition you must disclose it when you register.

*So It Looks Like I’ll Start Training For An IronMan Soon! Woohoo!*

Related posts:

  1. How hard would it be to complete this triathlon? smokeyjoejr1 asked: I was wondering how hard it would be...

Filed Under Diet & Fitness |

Tagged With , ,

Comments

10 Responses to “Can you be disqualified from participating in an Iron Man Triathlon if you have a heart condition?”

  1. sportysarah8 on March 25th, 2009 4:24 pm

    Well I’m not doctor , but by hearing your storyand seeing how long and vigorous that triathlon is, I would think it might not be the best for your heart, but if yours doctor clears you for it, than Go for it!! and Goodluck!! =)

  2. iloveanswers! on March 29th, 2009 6:37 pm

    I don’t think you’ll have a problem with participating. You should be entirely clear with the organization that is running the Iron Man you’re racing in about your medical condition. That way, they will be prepared to support you or tell you what level of support will be available during your race.

    Other than that, for most Iron Man races, all you need to do is qualify to participate. That means you need to do really well in another race. You can use your performance in other races as proof that you’ll survive an Iron Man.

    Take it easy, train smart and good luck in your race! Rest if you need to!!!

  3. George C on March 31st, 2009 1:11 am

    I don’t think the organisers will have a problem of you joining in the fun as long as you have a letter from your doctor stating the health clearance. But I’m pretty sure they will make you sign a letter of consent to clear them off any liabilities should something happens to you.

    Then again,perhaps you shouldn’t be so ambitious in the first place. Why not try your hands on a smaller scale bi-athalon before that?

    Whatever it is,don’t get yourself killed.The prize money can’t even buy you a coffin. :P

    Have Fun and stay alive!

  4. LORD Z on April 17th, 2009 12:21 am

    You will more than likely not be allowed to compeat without a physical.

  5. Blarneystone on April 25th, 2009 12:14 pm

    You should have no trouble participating..
    A bileaflet aortic valve that is otherwise competent will not give you any trouble more than a trileaflet one, especially as you have already run 2 marathons..
    As to whether you could be disqualified, no. Especialy if you decline to volunteer the information, and even otherwise

  6. Thomas F on May 2nd, 2009 3:13 am

    For the most part, you should be allowed to compete with clearance from a cardiologist. For peace of mind, you might make sure that you get an opinion from a doctor who treats endurance athletes.

  7. chrstnwrtr on May 2nd, 2009 5:01 pm

    Talk to your doctor first before doing any Iron Man event. If he/she gives you the OK, get a note of permission from the doctor to register for the event.

  8. THE LONER on May 5th, 2009 6:42 am

    I think so. But if you have any kind of heart condition, you don’t have any business putting your health at risk like that.

  9. MiMi on May 8th, 2009 1:15 am

    I wouldn’t think so, unless the organization putting on the race has a medical waiver that has to be filled out. You just have to check.

  10. shotouthype on May 11th, 2009 3:51 am

    I have been in a few competitions and have never heard of someone being disqualified from the competition for a condition but rather from the treatment of the condition. If you are able to train for the meet and can show that you have completed the things you say then you will have to pass the trials and they will allow you. There are old men that run the Boston marathon and I have never met an old man that has no heart problem no matter how healthy.