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

Question

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!*

Answer 1

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Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

You should be very proud of yourself. Instead of sitting around pouting you have a problem you realize your life goes on and you are enjoying every moment of it. If they make you do a physical first and this comes up, they may disqualify you or just have you sign a statement not leaving anyone to fault but your own if something does happen. The only drawback for you is the swimming. That will work your heart more than running plus the idea you tire a little easier. That will definatly tire you. If you do this then GOD bless you. Why can't everyone be more like you. NEVER GIVE UP>

Answer 4

I think you would be putting yourself at a very high risk if you do participate. I call this the What If factor. All the physicals factors are there. But what if something were to happen to you. Could you deal with it?? Plus the fact that you say the aortic valve has only two "leaflets" and that it does not function as well as the normal valve. I wish you the best but consider your health first.

Answer 5

It depends on the rules of the Iron Man Triathlon you will be joining.

You might require a go Signal From your doctor, so better Secure a Health Cerificate and show it to the Organizers.

But I know someone was able to join with a minor Heart Conditions and he did fine, just have a medical check up 1 hour befor the event for safety purposes.

Answer 6

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!!!

Answer 7

Doubt whether they are going to do a full medical on you. You have to sign a release to say that you do not hold the organisers responsible for anything which may happen to you as a result of competing. It will also inform you of the types of people who should not take part. If you have completed two marathons and have the evidence for that I see no reason why you shouldn't compete. And I don't believe that you will be stopped from competing. Good luck.

Answer 8

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

Answer 9

For the safety of IronMan participants, I would think ANY heart condition of concern would be just grounds for disqualification--so you can assume the judges would think so as well. I'd get ready to expect a written reason from IronMan why you were disqualified and appeal it with a letter from your personal doctor, but you may have to face defeat on appeal.

Answer 10

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.