chest and returned to the hospital. Doctors told him the device had saved his life by shocking his heart back into a normal rhythm.
Understandably frightened, Mark was concerned that pushing himself would continue to trigger the device. But being sedentary wasn’t an option either. With his doctor’s encouragement, he soon returned to the gym.
Now, he’s hopeful that he’ll be able to one day work up to finishing the race he never quite started – the half Ironman.
Because it’s unlikely he can complete all three legs, Devon has a viable Plan B: He, Samantha, Tanya and Mark can compete as a team, with Mark crossing the finish line so he can hear the coveted words: “Mark Allen, you are an Ironman.”
“Because he is an Ironman,” Devon says. “He epitomizes what that really is. He is what commitment looks like.”
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Protecting yourself
Knowing the signs and symptoms of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is important. It can help with getting an early diagnosis when treatment may be most effective.
According to the American Heart Association, signs and symptoms of HCM include:
- Chest pain, especially with physical exertion
- Shortness of breath, especially with physical exertion
- Fatigue
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen
Although it can happen at any age, most people receive a diagnosis in middle age. If you suspect you have HCM, consult with your doctor.
A cardiologist or pediatric cardiologist often diagnoses and treats HCM. However, you may also be referred to a cardiomyopathy center where the health care team has specialized training.
By American Heart Association News