Since his miraculous recovery from sudden cardiac arrest, Mike Papale has never stopped moving. The Founder and CEO of nonprofit organization In A Heartbeat-dedicated to preventing death from sudden cardiac arrest and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)-served several years as a college basketball coach at UMass Lowell, Quinnipiac University, and Southern Connecticut State University before channeling his transformative journey into the pages of this book. As a Professional Motivational Speaker, Mike loves helping others discover and engage their own life-igniting spark-inspirational energy he naturally instills in students through his role as Fairfield College Preparatory School’s Head Basketball Coach. Creator and Host of A Big Heart podcast, Mike addresses how to overcome the physical and emotional obstacles of life with heart disease.
Hey Mike, great video. I'm curious as to what you get your HR up to when you're running/cycling. I'm around your age and also have HCM. I was told by my cardiologist to stay within 75% of my projected max, which ends up being around 135 bpm. Were you advised similar things?
Thank you! I am on a beta blocker which does keep my heart rate down. When I was diagnosed it was part of the treatment process for HCM although I think they have gone away from it now with some patients. To answer your question though - yes I have calculated my max heart and while it is lower I do try to max at about 75% of it.
Oh hey another one with HCM who actually trains. My doctors were all like "Please dont do weight training at all". Got my S-ICD in december because after 2 years they thought maybe randomly dying isnt so cool and i agreed. Since february, after my first ICD checkup i slowly began lifting again. I also have a genetic mutation, coronary artery disease (the Prof said my arterys looked like some from a 70-80 year on) and a erythrovirus (Parvo) in my heart and had a myocarditis at the same time (yay). But now im back again to walking a hour to the gym and back and lifting for 1-1.5 hours each day. Adjusting the breathing took me a while, press breathing or whatever it is called in english is a no no for blood pressure spikes. Im doing every last set to failure and so far i had no problems at all except getting fitter again after the initial 9 months i had to cure out the myocarditis. Betain (TMG) helped me immensely with fatigue and it is a safe supplement. Greetings from Germany.
I just had an ICD implant a few weeks ago. I was awake during the surgery. The device wasn’t tested after surgery, so I still haven’t experienced the shock as of the time I write this. I’m currently at the point where I’m pretty much healed up from the procedure, but I avoid touching the area because I still find it too disturbing to feel. I imagine that I’ll get over that at some point.
Hi Mike, I'm 50 w/NO-HCM and my cardiologist initially said no excercise, then walk, then moderate excerise, no weights then light weights only. Swim okay then no swim. I never go above 50 pounds on any weight lifting exercise, bench, curls, squts, presses, pulls, etc. But I do 3 sets of 15 reps, I saw you said you never go above 10. Plus I like to do easy laps in the pool. What is your weight limit when you lift? I'd like to get an idead what other people do. Thanks for the content take care.
Glad you made it through! I have HCM and experienced cardiac arrest in February 2023. I had an ICD placed as well. I'm getting better each day and wish you all well!
Thanks for the informative video. I have an enlarged heart and this video helped a ton. I do believe that my condition was caused by overexertion at work and too much stress. Thanks again
I also was diagnosed when I was 36 years old. I do not have any symptoms. but I am trying to stay active and educate myself by learning more about my heart.
Hi Mike, I've got Hypertrophic Cardiomyoparhy and an ICD. Do you restrict any movements in your training in relation to your ICD leads? Is it safe to do press ups?
Hi Piercy, sorry for my delay in responding. I do press ups. They have not affected my leads at all. I try to stay away from super heavy weights personally!
Hi Mike, some doctors totally discourage exercise and some say you can do a moderate exercise. It would be great if you can make a video about what are the suitable exercise (and at what intensity) for HCM patients.
