The Haywire Heart, 2nd Edition: The New Science of Cardiovascular Health for Endurance Athletes

The seminal book that has saved countless athlete's lives, completely updated with the latest science. A critical guide to heart health for Cyclists, Runners, and Triathletes.

For anyone who competes in endurance sports like cycling, triathlon, running races of all distances, and cross-country skiing, The Haywire Heart presents the evidence that going too hard or too long can damage your heart forever. You’ll find what to watch out for, what to do about it, and how to protect your heart so you can enjoy the sports you love for years to come.

Exploring a group of conditions known as “athlete’s heart," The Haywire Heart is a wide-ranging look at the warning signs, symptoms, and how to recognize your potential risk. Leading cardiac electrophysiologist and masters athlete Dr. John Mandrola explores the prevention and treatment of heart conditions in athletes like

• arrhythmia

• atrial fibrillation and flutter

• tachycardia

• hypertrophy

• and coronary artery disease.

These heart problems are appearing with alarming frequency among masters athletes who are pushing their bodies harder than ever in the hope that exercise will keep them healthy and strong into their senior years. This second edition offers a critical look at the latest research about exercise intensity and duration, recovery, inflammation and calcification, and the ways athletes inflict lasting harm. In addition, it offers a frank discussion of exercise addiction and the mental habits that prevent athletes from seeking medical help when they need it, as well as an invaluable guide on how to talk with your doctor about your condition and its proven treatments.

The book is complete with gripping case studies of elite and age-group athletes from journalist Chris Case, including the scary condition that nearly killed cyclist and coauthor Lennard Zinn. Heart conditions affect hardcore athletes as well as those who take up sports seeking better health and weight loss. The Haywire Heart is a groundbreaking and critically important guide to heart care for athletes.